Aventuras Patagonicas Dispatcheshttp://patagonicas.com/skiing-patagonia-northern-patagonia/
BACK TO PLAZA ARGENTINAhttp://patagonicas.com/back-to-plaza-argentina/
<p>team 8 got back to Base camp yesterday, for two day they resisted a snow storm but yesterday the storm got bigger so they took the desition of going down, now they all are safe at base camp.</p>
<p>they will star walking out the vacas valley today and the group will be at mendoza by tomorrow!</p>
<p>Saludos</p>Sat, 21 Feb 2015 12:22:22 -0300http://patagonicas.com/back-to-plaza-argentina/Closer and closer!http://patagonicas.com/closer-and-closer/
<p>Team 8 is at chopper camp now, they moved there this afternoon.Tonight they will sleep at 5480 meter. Tomorrow they will rest wich means, the guides will have time to cook a bigger and more elaborate lunch.</p>
<p>After this rest day they will do the carry to de last camp, White Rocks at almost 6000 m of 20000 ft over the sea level.</p>
<p>We'll post more news soon!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagoicas Team</p>Wed, 18 Feb 2015 15:10:06 -0300http://patagonicas.com/closer-and-closer/LEAVING PLAZA ARGENTINAhttp://patagonicas.com/leaving-plaza-argentina/
<p>Yesterday team 8 set their tents at camp I at 16,000ft. They were rested and ready to move higher on the mountain. Eliana, the lead guide, told us "The group is doing great and we are having a lot of fun". The weather forecast looks promising showing sunny days and moderate winds.</p>
<p>Now the group will be carrying a load of food, gear and fuel to Chopper camp or camp II at 18,000 ft.</p>
<p>As soon as we get more news, we will be posting a new dispatch</p>
<p>Saludos</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Mon, 16 Feb 2015 16:09:33 -0300http://patagonicas.com/leaving-plaza-argentina/THE FIRST DAY IN ARDUOUS TERRAINhttp://patagonicas.com/the-first-day-in-arduous-terrain/
<p>Team 8 did their first carry of gear and food to Camp I (16,000 ft), Now they are back at base camp, resting and eating some delicious food that the bp that Gricelda is cocking, All the team members are well, hanging out at the AP's tent. Tomorrow they will rest then whole day, they will have time to reorganiza their equipmen, meet others climbiers or just look at the mountains.</p>
<p>After tomorrow they will leave base camp to move higher on the mountain.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We will be posting more news soon</p>
<p> </p>Fri, 13 Feb 2015 22:13:36 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-first-day-in-arduous-terrain/A NEW ADVENTURE!!http://patagonicas.com/a-new-adventure/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">In a fresh Sunday morning, the last group of the season left the city of Mendoza and headed towards the Penitentes where the team will spend the night at the lodge. They have a three-day journey ahead, followong the Vacas river valley, until they get to Plaza Argentina, the Ameghino Route Base Camp, at 13.950 ft, 4.200 m.</span></p>
<p>The guides are Eliana Camaño, a talented high mountain guide from Patagonia, Nils Fontenla and Matias Sindoni, a highly experienced team of guides from Argentina.</p>
<p>The climbers are Eric Croft, Andrew Burke, Chris Lonsford, Candice Smith, LenkaNosekova, Thai Smith, Mark Burgess, Connor Burgess, Kyle Fraser, Michel Boyer and Danielle Joseph</p>
<p>We will be posting disptaches as the guides call me from their sat phone<span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>Saludos</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:10:51 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-adventure/SUMMIThttp://patagonicas.com/summit-34/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">team 7 reach the summit of Acocagua, 6.962M!!!! Congratulations to all the team, that made this achievement possible. The group is happy at High Camp now. They started the day very early and sometime after noon they got to the 22,834 summit, the highest point in the Americas! Tomorrow they will go down by the other side of the mountain, to the base camp of the normal route (Plaza de Mulas). On Monday they will complete the trek to the trailhead, and they will take a van back to Mendoza to celebrate.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p> </p>Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:25:11 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-34/GOING FOR THE SUMMIThttp://patagonicas.com/going-for-the-summit/
<p>The strong team 7 has set camp at High Camp, a few meters below 6.000m. The group is motivated and the weather looks good. Tomorrow they will get up really early and after breakfast they will begin a 9 hours climb that will take them to the top of America! We keep our fingers crossed for a beautiful summit day.</p>
<p>Picture of White Rocks (high camp). We will let you know the news as soon as we get the call.</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Fri, 06 Feb 2015 16:43:19 -0300http://patagonicas.com/going-for-the-summit/Chopper Camp!http://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-8/
<p>Yesterday team 7 moved to camp 2 also called Chopper camp, so the team will be sleeping at 5.400 meters or in feet 18.000, the air is thick up there but they are getting used to it!</p>
<p>Now they will be carrying a load to almost 6.000 m or 19 685 ft, to high camp, from this camp they will attempt the summit! (picture of a previous trip)</p>
<p>Saludos</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 05 Feb 2015 08:54:36 -0300http://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-8/RESTING AT 16,000FThttp://patagonicas.com/resting-at-16-000ft/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Team 7 set camp at 4.800m or 16,000FT today! they are doing well and getting used to the high altitude. Tomorrow they will have a deserved rest day at camp I to recover strength to go higher! ( in the picture you can see base camp from the path to camp 1, the pic was taken in a previous trip)</span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>Saludos!</p>
<p> </p>Mon, 02 Feb 2015 10:38:25 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-16-000ft/PLAZA ARGENTINA!http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-8/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Team 7 reach basa camp today! Plaza Argentina is at 4200m 13700ft, and to get there you need to trek for three day through the beautiful Vacas Valley! they had a tradicional asado and crossed a river by mule!</span></p>
<p>Tomorrow will be a rest day so the group will have time to get use to the high altitude and prepare the load for the carry to camp 1.</p>
<p>We will be posting more news!</p>
<p>Saludos</p>
<p>the Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 29 Jan 2015 11:21:56 -0300http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-8/TO THE MOUNTAINS!http://patagonicas.com/to-the-mountains/
<p>A new adventure just began!</p>
<p>A team of 5 climbers and two guides is heading to Penitentes, and tomorrow they will start the three day approach to get the one of the base camp of Aconcagua, Plaza Argentina (4200 m).</p>
<p>This special group has more female members that males and 2 fathers and daughters that want to climb the mountain together, isn´t that sweet?</p>
<p>The team members are Ralph Senst, Carlin Senst, Maria Gordon, Bruce Kennedy and Heather Kennedy.</p>
<p>And the guides are Wesley Bunch, going for his 29th summit on Aconcagua, and Roxana Prince, doctor specialize in high altitude and mountain guide.</p>
<p>We will post some news when they get to base camp.</p>
<p>Saludos!</p>
<p>the Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:19:30 -0300http://patagonicas.com/to-the-mountains/BACK TO MENDOZAhttp://patagonicas.com/back-to-mendoza/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The team is back at the nice 5 stars hotel Park Hyatt Mendoza, After walking out the Horcones Valley.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Due to communication issues we hear that the 10 climber summited but it was 7 climbers and 3 guides, sorry for the mistake.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">We will post a picture of the celebration meal that will take place tomorrow.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Saludos</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team.</span></p>
<p> </p>Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:13:49 -0300http://patagonicas.com/back-to-mendoza/10 CLIMBERS ON THE TOP!!http://patagonicas.com/10-climbers-on-the-top/
<p>The 10 climbers and 3 guides summited today! the whole group 6 reached the highest point of the southern hemisphere!! You can not climb higher at least you go to the Himalayas!</p>
<p>The Team is back at high camp! tomorrow they will do the traverse of Aconcagua and get to Plaza de Mulas, the bases camp at the other side of the mountain.</p>
<p>Congratulation to the team!!!</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Fri, 23 Jan 2015 23:33:49 -0300http://patagonicas.com/10-climbers-on-the-top/GETTING CLOSE TO THE TOPhttp://patagonicas.com/getting-close-to-the-top-4/
<p>Team 6 set up the camp at 5800m or 19,200 ft, Which means that they are at high camp! Tomorrow the whole team will wake up before the sunrise, they will leave the tents and attempt to reach the highest summit of the southern hemisphere!</p>
<p>We will post a dispatch as soon as we receive the call of Mili.</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 22 Jan 2015 22:01:39 -0300http://patagonicas.com/getting-close-to-the-top-4/A REST DAY!http://patagonicas.com/a-rest-day/
<p>Mili just called us! He told us that today was a day off at Camp 2. Despite weather forecast showed that it was going to be a windy day, it was not, It was a amazing sunny day.</p>
<p>Tomorrow they will carry a load to High Camp.</p>
<p>We will post news as soon as they call us!</p>
<p> </p>Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:56:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-rest-day/The team moved to camp 2http://patagonicas.com/the-team-moved-to-camp-2/
<p>The team moved to camp 2 ( 18.000 ft or 5450m) yesterday! the whole group is doing great!</p>
<p>Today they will take a rest day and they will prepare the gear to carry to high camp!! (In the picture you can see camp 2)</p>
<p>We will post more news soon!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:29:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-team-moved-to-camp-2/SUMMIT!!http://patagonicas.com/summit-33/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">50% of the climbers and one guide got to the top of this side of the planet (22,834ft, 6.962m). Beau Called us when the team was back at High Camp, Tomorrow the whole team will complete the Aconcagua traverse and reach the base camp at the east side of the mountain, Plaza de Mulas. In the picture you can appreciate the last meters of the climb</span></p>
<p>Congratulation to all of them!!</p>
<p> </p>Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:39:08 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-33/SUMMIT PUSHhttp://patagonicas.com/summit-push/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">With the great weather window opening up, Beau and team 5 have decided to move rapidly to High Camp ( and take advantage of the good weather, all are well and hopefully they will be calling from the summit today.</span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Sat, 17 Jan 2015 10:16:11 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-push/PLAZA ARGENTINA!http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-7/
<p>The sixth group arrived in excellent conditions to base camp today! They will be taking a rest day tomorrow and will carry to Camp 1 the thay after tomorrow.</p>
<p>They will spend a minimum of 3 nights in Base Camp. We want everyone to have the best possible chance to acclimatize and make the Summit. The most effective way to do this is to take the time to acclimatize to the low oxygen environment. All precautions will be taken to ensure your safety. They will incorporate rest days into our schedule and climb in traditional expedition style. they will be carrying loads up to the next camp and returning to sleep below at the previous camp. Carry high and sleep low. The next day they will move to the higher camp.</p>
<p>The first day in Base Camp is always a rest day and a good occasion to take a bath and go for a short walk. They will divide expedition loads to carry to the next camp; community gear, fuel, food and individual lunches.</p>
<p>After their rest in Base Camp we will do a carry to Camp I, at approximately 16,300'. This is a challenging day where they will gain 2,500 feet with a heavy load, up some easy but sometimes tricky, loose terrain. The guides will emphasize breathing in rhythm with their pace using power breathing, rest step, and other techniques that will help save energy at these elevations. Breathers are an essential part of high altitude climbing allowing you to keep going for long periods of time.</p>
<p>We wish them the best in this great adventure they have a ahead... Here is a pic of a rest day at Base Camp from a previous AP Expedition</p>
<p>Best Wishes</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Wed, 14 Jan 2015 17:03:24 -0300http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-7/Camp 2http://patagonicas.com/camp-8/
<p>Group 5 arrived to Camp 2 today. They are all doing great, and the weather it is good.The plan is to take a rest day at chopper camp and move to Camp 3 soon. They still have plenty of days left and are ahead of schedule. We are attaching a pic of a group moving to Camp 2 from a previous trip Stay tuned</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Wed, 14 Jan 2015 17:00:52 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-8/CAMP Ihttp://patagonicas.com/camp-i-11/
<p>Yesterday team 5 moved to camp I, all the climber are doing great!</p>
<p>They had an small snow storm. Today they will be carrying a load to Camp II ( at the bottom of the picture you can see Chopper camp, which is Camp II, 5.400m/18.000 ft)</p>
<p>We will post more news soon!</p>
<p>Saludos</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Wed, 14 Jan 2015 12:38:52 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-11/SUMMIT!http://patagonicas.com/summit-32/
<p>Team 4 made it to the highest point in the Western Hemisphere, the summit of Mt Aconcagua! They stood amazed at 22,834ft, 6.964m, looking to the rest of the Andes below.</p>
<p>They are coming back to hight camp, where they will spend the night, and tomorrow they will do the traverse to get to Plaza de mulas.</p>
<p>Congratulation to the Team</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Mon, 12 Jan 2015 18:37:28 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-32/A NEW ADVENTURE BEGINhttp://patagonicas.com/a-new-adventure-begin/
<p>A strong-looking group of ten climbers and the guides left the lodge at Los Penitentes today, after spending a couple of days in the city of Mendoza (Argentina). Here they got a taste of our meat and wine, besides of course meeting each other and their guides Mili, Matias and Pablo. They will begin hiking tomorrow, with light packs since the loads travel to base in the back of some mules. The climbers are David Dyess, Theresa Dyess, Joseph Pia, Jeff Williams, Philip Chana, Christian Westermark, Matthew David, Don Cash, Cary Jenkins and Andrew Brinton It wil take them three days to get to base camp Plaza Argentina (14,000ft). We will post a dispatch when they get there. Until then!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Mon, 12 Jan 2015 09:23:09 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-adventure-begin/SUMMIT DAY TOMORROWhttp://patagonicas.com/summit-day-tomorrow-4/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The team made it to high camp!!! In a few hours, before the sun rise they will leave their tents, trying to reach the highest point of America, 6.962m, 22.834ft!!!</span></p>
<p>We will post more news as soon as Wesley calls us! (in the picture ya can see were the team is)</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Mon, 12 Jan 2015 09:20:38 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-day-tomorrow-4/THE FIRST CARRY!http://patagonicas.com/the-first-carry/
<p>Yesterday team 5 had a deserved rest day at Base Camp, they prepared the gear to carry and they enjoyed the incredible good food that the ladies at Plaza Argentina Cooked, today they did a carry to Camp 1 and came down to base camp, for another rest day there.</p>
<p>The day after tomorrow they will leave the comfort of base camp looking for more altitude, so they will set the camp at camp 1.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Mon, 12 Jan 2015 09:18:12 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-first-carry/high camphttp://patagonicas.com/high-camp-5/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">team 4 did a carry to high camp (5,800 mts - 19,200 ft), Tomorrow they will move to that camp, wich means that after tomorrow they will go for the summit!!!</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">We will keep you posted!</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>Mon, 12 Jan 2015 09:12:01 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-camp-5/LEAVING CAMP 1http://patagonicas.com/leaving-camp-1/
<p>After resisting to a wind storm for 2 days at Camp 1, the team 4 moved to camp 2 today!! there were 2 hard days but the team is motivated and ready to carry the last load to high camp at 5800m!!</p>
<p>As soon as they call us again!</p>
<p>Saludos</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Fri, 09 Jan 2015 17:46:41 -0300http://patagonicas.com/leaving-camp-1/PLAZA ARGENTINA!!!http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-6/
<p>After a 3 day hike, the team arrived to Plaza Argentina (base camp 13,900ft, 4200m) yesterday.</p>
<p>It was a beautiful trek where they could appreciate awesome view of the east face of Aconcagua (picture) and today they are resting at base camp.</p>
<p>Tomorrow they will carry a load to camp 1 and then they will come back to base camp to sleep. Carrying to higher altitude and sleeping at lower altitude helps the body to adjust to the thin air, to then move to a higher camp.</p>
<p>We're going to post news each time Beau calls us by sat phone.</p>
<p>Saludos!</p>
<p>The aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Fri, 09 Jan 2015 15:27:55 -0300http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-6/One more day at Camp 1!http://patagonicas.com/one-more-day-at-camp-1/
<p>The team 4 will stay one more day at Camp 1! It is because they are under an storm, Not big enough to worry about it but it is better to wait at a lower altitude.</p>
<p>The weather forecast for the upcoming days shows good weather!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Wed, 07 Jan 2015 12:43:30 -0300http://patagonicas.com/one-more-day-at-camp-1/The team 4 is ready to move to camp 2http://patagonicas.com/the-team-4-is-ready-to-move-to-camp-2/
<p>The team is ready to move to camp 2!(camp II, 5.400m/18.000 ft) They have been at camp 1 for 2 days. Depending on how the group feels they will probably have one more rest day at that camp and them they will be ready to go higher!</p>
<p>We will post more news when the team reach camp 2</p>
<p>Saludos!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Tue, 06 Jan 2015 10:26:16 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-team-4-is-ready-to-move-to-camp-2/AP5http://patagonicas.com/ap5/
<p>A nice group of 4 climbers and 2 guides left today the luxury Park Hyatt Mendoza heading to Penitentes!</p>
<p>Tomorrow the fifth team of this season will start a 3 day approach thru vacas valley, next thursday they will be arriving to the base camp, Plaza Argentina at 14,000 ft (4.200m).</p>
<p>The guides are Beau Carrillo from Washington states and Matias Sindoni from Mendoza, Argentina. And the climbers are Kyle Meyers, Rob Stanley, Elaine Beattie and Randy Davies.</p>
<p>We will be posting new everytime Beau call us by sat phone!</p>
<p>Saludos</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Mon, 05 Jan 2015 23:59:47 -0300http://patagonicas.com/ap5/RESTING AT HIGH CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/resting-at-high-camp/
<p>Today the AP3 team did a huge effort to get to the summit but they could not reach the top of America</p>
<p>Now they are safe and resting at almost 6000m. tomorrow they will do the traverse of Aconcagua and go down to Plaza de Mulas, the base camp at the west side of the mountain, this will be a beautiful day!</p>
<p>The day after tomorrow they will walk out the Horcones valley and doing that they will have done a full circle around Aconcagua.</p>
<p>Congratulations to the team!</p>
<p>The Aventura Patagonicas Team</p>Sun, 04 Jan 2015 12:48:06 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-high-camp/MOVING TO CAMP 1http://patagonicas.com/moving-to-camp-1/
<p>Group 4 will move to Camp I, at 16,000 ft, Tomorrow. They had carried gear and food to CI before moving, so they are used to the altitude.</p>
<p>From now on they will be playing the game of resting, carrying to a higher camp and then moving to that camp, the idea is to gain altitude while keeping the energy.</p>
<p>We will poste more news soon</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:05:59 -0300http://patagonicas.com/moving-to-camp-1/HIGH CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/high-camp-4/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The AP3 team is at High camp rigth now, in a few hours they will start walking to the Summit of Aconcagua ( 22,834 ft, 6,962 m). The weather looks promising and motivation is high. They will face a long but beautiful day and a lasting experience.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">We will upload news when they call us from the summit.</span></p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team.</p>
<p> </p>Sat, 03 Jan 2015 21:56:20 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-camp-4/Basecamp 1http://patagonicas.com/basecamp-1/
<p>Group 4 reached base camp! after 3 day hiking the beautiful vacas valley.</p>
<p>They will receive the new year there, With good food, wines from Mendoza, champagne. Tonight will be a party at base camp, people that works there the entire season loves to party so the team will not get to much sleep but tomorrow will be rest day.</p>
<p>Cheers!!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 01 Jan 2015 17:26:51 -0300http://patagonicas.com/basecamp-1/Camp 2http://patagonicas.com/camp-7/
<p>The team have moved to camp 2! They are resisting high winds in that camp, but the forecast for the upcoming days looks good, so they will have big chances of summiting!</p>
<p>By the way they will spend new year eve at camp II, 5.400m/18.000 ft, I think will be awesome to see the first sunrise of the 2015 from there.</p>
<p>Happy new year</p>
<p>The aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Wed, 31 Dec 2014 17:52:55 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-7/CARRY TO CAMP 2 DONEhttp://patagonicas.com/carry-to-camp-2-done/
<p>The team did a carry to camp 2 today! Mili told us they are all ok, tomorrow they will have a deserved rest day at camp 1, and they will be moving higher the day after tomorrow, so they will receive the 2015 at 18.000 ft or 5450m!</p>
<p>We will keep you posted!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Mon, 29 Dec 2014 23:45:52 -0300http://patagonicas.com/carry-to-camp-2-done/4th group of the season departed yesterdayhttp://patagonicas.com/4th-group-of-the-season-departed-yesterday/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Our 4th group of the season departed yesterday for Penitentes after an great dinner in Mendoza . The guides are Veteran AP Guide Wesley Bunch from Jackson Hole , Wyoming , Luchi Marun from Argentina and Drew Dochstader from Canada (bottom row). Today they will be at the trailhead starting the 3 day spectacular approach to Base camp, walking in the high Andes with condors soaring above, and the friendliness of the Argentine people is generally a highlight among our teams.</span></p>
<p>We’ll post news when Wes let us know via satellite communication how trip is going</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Best Wishes and Happy Holidays!</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Mon, 29 Dec 2014 13:11:29 -0300http://patagonicas.com/4th-group-of-the-season-departed-yesterday/Camp IIhttp://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-8/
<p>The team is at Camp II, ready to move to High Camp (19,600 ft 5,900m) and to go for the top of thi side of the world. Everyone is strong and feeling motivated. They spent an awesome Christmas, guide Rolo told us. We will keep you informed of their progress. There goes a picture of high camp. Regards!</p>
<p>Saludos!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Mon, 29 Dec 2014 08:43:57 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-8/camp 1http://patagonicas.com/camp-6/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The team has reached camp 1, at 16,000ft, successfully. All of them are ok, and the weather forecast shows sunny days ahead, and some winds as usual. They will do a carry to Camp II, after a deserved rest. We will pass the news when we hear from them again. Until then!</span></p>
<p>Regards,</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>
<p> </p>Mon, 29 Dec 2014 08:41:07 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-6/RESTING AT PLAZA ARGENTINAhttp://patagonicas.com/resting-at-plaza-argentina-5/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">After hiking up the Vacas Valley, the team turned up the steep and beautiful Relinchos Valley. Climbers arrived yesterday at Plaza Argentina (14200 ft). The approach trek has one of the most spectacular views of the whole mountain, the Polish Glacier (picture from a previous trip), is staring you in the face. This beautiful face is one of the most dificult and intimidating views of the mountain.</span></p>
<p>Last night they had a typically raucous Argentinian Christmas eve. Problably not much sleep was had! But today they have a rest day in base camp. Everyone is doing fine, and wishing their families and friends a happy holiday.</p>
<p>We will be uploading news and pictures every time they call us from the SAT phone, so we´ll be in touch soon!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Thu, 25 Dec 2014 13:38:17 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-plaza-argentina-5/Feliz navidad!http://patagonicas.com/feliz-navidad/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Rolo the lead guide called us today, he said that they are going to move camp 1 Today, So they will be celebrating Christmas at 16.000 ft (4.800m). they will never forget of this Christmas. The guides are prepared to cook something special for them, and for sure they will make a toast with champagne.</span></p>
<p>Unfortunately Angel More had to come down because his father was having trouble to adapted to the high altitude. They will come next year and try again.</p>
<p>Merry Christmas!!!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Wed, 24 Dec 2014 21:24:58 -0300http://patagonicas.com/feliz-navidad/ON THE TRAIL!http://patagonicas.com/on-the-trail-4/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">After an incredible dinner in Mendoza two nights ago the team left for the trailhead with full bellys, and a gleam in their eyes. The kind of look you have when you know a great adventure is awaiting. Needless to say smiles were large, and their psyche was off the charts! The guide team of Mili, Agustin, and Matias, contacted us to say they had a great day of hiking in unseasonably cool temperaturas to Pampa de Leñas, really the last place with any plants or trees, as above that it is too high for plant life. They were preparing the traditional Argentine barbeque with the mule drivers at camp and everyone was healthy and happy. To be walking in the high Andes with condors soaring above, and the friendliness of the Argentine people is generally a highlight among our teams, and this expedition is no exception. They sent a shout out to all their friends and families.</span></p>
<p>We’ll post news everytime Mili call us by sat pone!</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:50:24 -0300http://patagonicas.com/on-the-trail-4/they arrived to base camphttp://patagonicas.com/they-arrived-to-base-camp/
<p>After three beautiful days hiking they arrived to base camp, yesterday!</p>
<p>Today is a rest day and a good occasion to take a shower and go for a short walk. They will divide expedition loads to carry to the next camp; community gear, fuel, food and individual lunches.</p>
<p>They will be carrying loads up to the next camp and returning to sleep below at the previous camp. Carry high and sleep low. The next day they will move to the higher camp. this will allow them to acclimatize better.</p>
<p>After their rest in Base Camp we will do a carry to Camp I, at approximately 16,300'. This is a challenging day where they will gain 2,500 feet with a heavy load, up some easy but sometimes tricky, loose terrain. Picture of the east face of Aconcagua, taken in a previous trip.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Mon, 22 Dec 2014 00:21:49 -0300http://patagonicas.com/they-arrived-to-base-camp/A NEW ACONCAGUA ADVENTURE BEGANhttp://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-adventure-began-4/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Eight climbers and three guides left Mendoza today. They had a nice and smooth meeting yesterday in the Park Hyatt and then went for a great dinner and some Malbec red wine.</span></p>
<p>One of the climber of this group is Angel More a 12 year old girl that is climbing Aconcagua with the purpose of raising money to help kids all over the world. This is Angel blog you can read more about Angel and help her to reach her goal angelmoreblog.weebly.com</p>
<p>They rode a van to Los Penitentes (2700m), a small place in the heart of the Central Andes, the last bed and hot shower in two weeks for them. They will begin their 3-day hike to base camp tomorrow.</p>
<p>The guides of this expeditions are Rolo Abaca, Matias Sindoni both from Argentina and Beau Carrillo from Seattle. They are very experienced guides. They have participated in numerous expeditions to Aconcagua, Argentina Bolivian and Peruvian Andes and in some expedition to Denali.</p>
<p>The climbers are Richard Johnson, James Blackwood, Jason Jackson, Jeff Ferman, Max Ross, Erin Bohler, Hemant More (angel's father), and of course Angel More.</p>
<p>We will post more news every time they call us by sat phone</p>
<p>Cheers!<span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:47:15 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-adventure-began-4/congratulations to the amazing grouphttp://patagonicas.com/congratulations-to-the-amazing-group/
<p>Last Night we shared a nice dinner at one of the best restaurant of Argentina, 1884 Francis Mallmann, We had some beautiful steaks with some of the best malbec wines. . Although the group could not reach the summit they were proud and grateful for the experience and the opportunity to learn what nature can give, along with their new friends, already looking forward to their next adventures.</p>
<p>Aventuras patagonicas would like to extend their congratulation to this amazing group, and hope to see them again.</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>Aventuras Patagonicas</p>Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:49:17 -0300http://patagonicas.com/congratulations-to-the-amazing-group/Nido de Condoreshttp://patagonicas.com/nido-de-condores/
<p>The team tried to set camp at high camp, but this time the wind did not let them do that, so they did the traverse and set the camp at Nido de Condores at 5200m or 17200 ft. Tomorrow they will go down to Plaza de Mulas, the base camp of Horcones valley, to spend the night there and the next day they will walk out the Horcones valley, take a van and arrive to the luxury comfort of the Park hyatt Mendoza.(picture taken in a previous trip)</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Congratulation to the team, they were higher than most people in the world!!</span></p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team.</span></p>Wed, 10 Dec 2014 22:40:27 -0300http://patagonicas.com/nido-de-condores/MOVING HIGHERhttp://patagonicas.com/moving-higher/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The team moved to camp II today, Mili, the lead guide, told us that they are doing great. They are considering to move to high camp (5,850 mts - 19,200 ft) tomorrow due that the weather forecast is showing strong winds for the upcoming days.</span></p>
<p>If they move tomorrow, they will go for the summit on thursday.</p>
<p>Picture of high camp also called White Rocks</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We'll keep you posted!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Tue, 09 Dec 2014 15:20:43 -0300http://patagonicas.com/moving-higher/Carry to camp IIhttp://patagonicas.com/carry-to-camp-ii/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Today the team made a carry to Chopper camp (camp II, 5.400m/18.000 ft). Now they have to decide whether they move to the next camp tomorrow or to have a rest day at camp I and move the day after tomorrow.</span></p>
<p>We will post more news soon.</p>
<p> </p>Mon, 08 Dec 2014 18:59:08 -0300http://patagonicas.com/carry-to-camp-ii/CAMP Ihttp://patagonicas.com/camp-i-10/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The team moved today to camp 1 at 16.000ft/4.800m. Mili told as the group is in good shape and adapting to the high altitude</span></p>
<p>Tomorrow they will do a carry to camp II at 5.400m/18.000 ft.</p>
<p>We will post more news tomorrow when Mili calls us by the sat phone</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Sun, 07 Dec 2014 17:58:43 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-10/CARRY TO CAMP Ihttp://patagonicas.com/carry-to-camp-i/
<p>The team completed their acclimatization in base camp. They did their first carry of gear and food to Camp I (16,000 ft) today.</p>
<p>They are having some good meals at Plaza Argentina, and resting there before facing the altitude stage of the expedition. Weather has been windy but not too bad. The weather forecast shows good days ahead.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Regards!</p>
<p> </p>Sat, 06 Dec 2014 10:11:12 -0300http://patagonicas.com/carry-to-camp-i/BASE CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/base-camp-12/
<p>The team reached Plaza Argentina, the Vacas Valley route base camp, today. Tomorrow will have a rest day tomorrow.</p>
<p>During the 3-day approach the saw the imposing East Face (picture), and got to spent time and share an asado (BBQ) with the gauchos who drive the pack mules. Plaza Argentina is a nice spot, up the Relinchos river, at almost 14,000 ft (4.200m).</p>
<p>From there the group wil begin the carry-move-rest system to gain altitude. This means that they do a carry of gear and food to the next camp, come back to sleep at a lower altitude, then they actually move to the higher camp, where they spend a rest day to do the proper acclimatization process, then carry to the next camp, move and so on (until there´s no higher place to go, in other terms the summit). When the guide Mili calls me I will tell you news.</p>
<p>Until then!</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 04 Dec 2014 22:51:21 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-12/SUMMIT!!!http://patagonicas.com/summit-31/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">4 clients and 2 guides got to the summit of Aconcagua today!!!</span></p>
<p>They woke up before sunrise and after a quick breakfast they started walking. By noon they reached the summit.</p>
<p>(image from a previous expedition)</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Congratulations to the team!!</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Cheers!</span></p>
<p> </p>Sun, 23 Feb 2014 13:15:06 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-31/CAMP IIhttp://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-7/
<p>The team is at camp II. Today they are carrying a load to High Camp or White Rocks, so they will know how feels to be at 6000 m. Tomorrow they will move to High camp and after tomorrow the group will go for the summit . The weather forecast shows a nice but small windows so they have a good chance. Picture taken from White Rocks in a previous trip.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted</p>
<p>The aventuras Patgonicas team</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 20 Feb 2014 11:20:56 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-7/THE PLAN!http://patagonicas.com/the-plan/
<p>The team is resting at camp 1, today mili called and told us the plan that they will follow.</p>
<p>Now the weather is good but in a few days strong winds will be hitting Aconcagua so tomorow the team will move to camp 2 the day after tomorrow they will carry to white Rocks (high camp 5,850m or 19,200 ft.). On the 21th they will move to high camp from where they are going to attempt the summit on the 22th. (pic of camp 1)</p>
<p>All the team members are fine and strong so they have good chances to summit!</p>
<p>We will keep you posted!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Tue, 18 Feb 2014 22:58:11 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-plan/CAMP 1http://patagonicas.com/camp-5/
<p>After a big snow storm the whole team moved to camp 1. Today they did a carry to Chopper camp ( camp 2 at 18,000 ft, 5400 m).</p>
<p>All the group members are feeling good and ready to move up but tomorrow they will have a rest day at camp 1.</p>
<p>The picture was taken two day ago at Plaza Argentina by a friend of us.</p>
<p> </p>Tue, 18 Feb 2014 08:34:56 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-5/SUMMIT!http://patagonicas.com/summit-30/
<p>10 climbers reached the summit of Aconcagua today! They were standing at the highest point in the world outside of Asia, 6962 m at 22,834 feet</p>
<p>It was a hard day but now the team is resting at White Rocks. Tomorrow they will complete the traverse and spend the night at Plaza de Mulas.</p>
<p>Congratulations to the team!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 13 Feb 2014 16:37:40 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-30/The team is at Plaza Argentina (Base Camp, 14,000 ft).http://patagonicas.com/the-team-is-at-plaza-argentina-base-camp-14-000-ft/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">After three beautiful days hiking they arrived to base camp. In those three days they enjoy beautiful views and they shared a great Asado (BBQ) with the Gauchos, Argentinian cowboys. In the trek they could see one of the most spectacular view of Aconcagua, the east face (picture).</span></p>
<p>Mili, the lead guide, told us that the group is doing great and quite strong. Today they are resting at base camp and tomorrow the team will begin the carry-move-rest system to gain altitude. This means that they do a carry of gear and food to the next camp, come back to sleep at a lower altitude, then they actually move to the higher camp, where they spend a rest day to do the proper acclimatization process, then carry to the next camp, move and so on, until High camp (5,850m or 19,200ft). from where they will attempt the summit of the highest mountain outside the Himalaya.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted!</p>
<p>Cheers<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>Thu, 13 Feb 2014 15:49:01 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-team-is-at-plaza-argentina-base-camp-14-000-ft/CAMP IIhttp://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-6/
<p>Yesterday they carried a load to camp II and today the team moved to Chopper camp.</p>
<p>Now they are resting there, tomorrow they will rest there and the day after tomorrow they will carry to High camp.</p>
<p>The weather forecast looks promising and all of them are doing great, so they have a good chance to summit.</p>
<p>We will post more news soon.</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Wed, 12 Feb 2014 23:35:15 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-6/ TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY http://patagonicas.com/tomorrow-is-the-big-day-3/
<p>The team moved to high camp (5,850 mts - 19,200 ft) today. The air is thin there, but the long days spent working in the mountain have prepared the climbers for the effort, The group is strong and motivated, so tomorrow they will go for the summit. They will get up early and after breakfast they will begin the to the top of the highest peak outside of Himalayas. (Picture taken at High camp) We will let you know the news as soon as we get the call from Jacob. Regards The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Wed, 12 Feb 2014 22:39:47 -0300http://patagonicas.com/tomorrow-is-the-big-day-3/A NEW ACONCAGUA ADVENTURES BEGANhttp://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-adventures-began/
<p>Our eleventh and last group of this season, a team of 11 climbers and three guides, departed for Penitentes today. The team is lead by Mili Poletti a local guide with lots of experience, Assisted by Fermin Avila from Patagonia, and Sebastian Ruiz also local.</p>
<p>They spent one night in Mendoza, where we enjoy a really nice dinner, we drank lots of Malbec and we ate delicious oversize steaks and gourmet food.</p>
<p>Tonight They will stay at Penitentes in a Mountain lodge. Tomorrow they will finally begin the 3-day hike into Base Camp, at 4200m, or 13800 ft approx.</p>
<p>The Team members are Oscar Rodriguez, Dian Zhang, David Irvine, Surjono Tanoto, Guilherme Provenzano, Benjamin Lee, Angelica Perez, Warner Rojas, Pablo Arrieta, Michael Beckwith and Bob Mills.</p>
<p>There goes a picture of the team at the Hyatt`s entrance, just before they left Mendoza.</p>
<p>We will be uploading news and pictures every time they call us from the sat phone.</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Sun, 09 Feb 2014 20:28:55 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-adventures-began/CAMP Ihttp://patagonicas.com/camp-i-9/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Jacob the guide called today and told us that all of the team members are feeling fine and they are having a great time.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The team completed the base camp acclimatization stage, and moved on to the altitude stage. From now on they will be playing the game of resting, carrying to a higher camp and then moving to that camp. From Camp III, or High Camp, they will go to the summit and come back to sleep there. But that´s way ahead, now they are focused in gaining altitude while keeping their energy.</span></p>
<p>Now the team is resting at camp 1, they are fine and motivated to go higher. They carried a load to camp 2 (17,500 ft.) today. Tomorrow the will move to Chopper camp (Camp 2) (picture of camp 2 taken by a previous trip).</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">We will keep you updated</span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>Regards<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Sun, 09 Feb 2014 20:24:05 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-9/BASE CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/base-camp-11/
<p>The group arrived in excellent conditions to base camp today!</p>
<p>The first day in Base Camp will be a rest day and a good occasion to take a shower and go for a short walk. They will divide expedition loads to carry to the next camp; community gear, fuel, food and individual lunches.</p>
<p>They will be carrying loads up to the next camp and returning to sleep below at the previous camp. Carry high and sleep low. The next day they will move to the higher camp. this will allow them to acclimatize better.</p>
<p>After their rest in Base Camp we will do a carry to Camp I, at approximately 16,300'. This is a challenging day where they will gain 2,500 feet with a heavy load, up some easy but sometimes tricky, loose terrain. Jacob the guide will emphasize breathing in rhythm with the pace using power breathing, rest step, and other techniques that will help save energy at these elevations. Breathers are an essential part of high altitude climbing allowing them to keep going for long periods of time.</p>
<p>Best Wishes</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Wed, 05 Feb 2014 20:02:31 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-11/TOWARDS THE MOUNTAINhttp://patagonicas.com/towards-the-mountain-5/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Eleven climbers and three guides began a new Aconcagua adventure yesterday. They left Mendoza well rested and well fed (thanks to the combination of the Park Hyatt's luxuries, Argentinian steak and plenty of Malbec red wine). But that's not all, yesterday part of the group dicided to go to a football (soccer) match call "El Super Clasico" between the two biggest football team of argentina Boca and River.</span></p>
<p>The solid group, as you can see in the pictures, heades towards Los Penitentes today and will begin the hike in tomorrow. Los Penitentes is a small ski resort, used in summer as starting point for Aconcagua expeditions. The altitude is 8,860 ft. The three-day hike in ends in base camp Plaza Argentina (13,780 ft).The leading guide is Jacob Schmitz , from US. Pablo Borjas from Venezuela and local credit Rolo Abaca complete the guiding team. The climbers are: Steve Vierling, Bruce Kennedy, Heather Kennedy, Daniel Pastor, Mika Huhtanen, Marjo Löytty, Clayton Matthews, Scott Talmage, Jesper Gustafsson, Axel Rosengart and Anrai O’Domnaill.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We will be posting information as the group moves up the slopes and they call me from their sat phone.</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team.</span></p>
<p> </p>Tue, 04 Feb 2014 10:10:45 -0300http://patagonicas.com/towards-the-mountain-5/MENDOZA CELEBRATION & IMPECCABLE TIMING http://patagonicas.com/mendoza-celebration-and-impeccable-timing/
<p>Brutal high winds up high....The team has been in Mendoza since last night. They flew out from BC the same day they stood on the top!</p>
<p>Tonight they had a feast at Francis Mallmann, one of the nicest Mendoza Restaurants.</p>
<p>There was the entire team, AP Guides Wes Bunch, Eliana Camano and Rodrigo Mujica, our operations manager Eliel Jatib, and climbers Mark Whetu and Jing Wang.</p>
<p>The trip was a total success and teamwork was impeccable. We would like to mention the key participation of Wes Bunch, our Chief Guide at Aventuras Patagonicas and Eliana Camano, a long time AP Lead Guide and talented cook as well. The trip of a lifetime! The timing was perfect...hurricane winds are hitting the mountain now, and all of our teams are in Mendoza safe from the wind. No one can summit at this moment or flying to or from Base Camp is an impossible task at the moment. Kudos to AP for the timing of this trip. We wish Jing Wang and Mark Whetu total success on the quest for their 7+2 project, now only 5+1 to go!! Go Jing!!</p>
<p>We were amazed by Jing's performance, kind and strong, always a smile on her face no matter what the conditions, simply an attitude to learn from......of course Aconcagua was going to "open up" to her (honor her with an favorable opening in the weather!). We were very impressed by Jing's strengths, especially her humbleness and almost holy relationship with Aconcagua and the mountains.</p>
<p>Thanks to all</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p> </p>Sun, 02 Feb 2014 19:18:29 -0300http://patagonicas.com/mendoza-celebration-and-impeccable-timing/Summit!!! http://patagonicas.com/summit-29/
<p>Today at 12:20 pm Jing Wang, Mark Whetu and the guides Summited Aconcagua.</p>
<p>They climbed the mountain fast trying to avoid the bad wheather and the plan worked.</p>
<p>Congratulations to the team and keep going for the record!<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>Fri, 31 Jan 2014 21:12:21 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-29/Almost in the summithttp://patagonicas.com/almost-in-the-summit/
<p>At this precise moment, jing Wang, Mark Whetu and Rodrigo Mujica are walking to reach the summit of aconcagua.</p>
<p>Today the team faced a cold walk in the morning, before sunrise, with headlamps on and zippered parkas. But then the sun comforted them and reveal a magnificent landscape. (Picture taken on the summit at 6,952 m looking down the trail)</p>
<p>We will let you know as soon as we get more news</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patgonicas team</p>Fri, 31 Jan 2014 11:26:30 -0300http://patagonicas.com/almost-in-the-summit/Camp 2http://patagonicas.com/camp-4/
<p>Rodrigo called from Camp 2, They arrived to that camp yesterday, after analyzing the weather forecast and considering that Jing Wang is strong they decided to move to High camp today.</p>
<p>They are moving up faster than normal, since this window weather could be the last one for at least a week.</p>
<p>We will let you know when the summit day will take place. (Picture of high camp)</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 30 Jan 2014 14:01:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-4/SUMMIT!!!!http://patagonicas.com/summit-28/
<p>2 climber summit aconcagua yesteday, after been hammered by 120 km wind for 3 days at 5300 m, the team did an enormous effort to get to the top!</p>
<p>this was and incredibel adventure for all of them and now they are safe at base camp drinking beers and eating good food.</p>
<p>tomorrow they will walk out Horcones valley and after a 3 hour ride they will get to Mendoza.</p>
<p>Congratulation to the team!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Ptagonicas team</p>Mon, 27 Jan 2014 18:51:44 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-28/Already on base camp of Aconcaguahttp://patagonicas.com/already-on-base-camp-of-aconcagua/
<p>Jing Wang, Rodrigo Mujica and Mark Whetu flew by chopper to the base camp of Aconcagua at 4200m.</p>
<p>Today they did a carry to camp 1, everybody is feeling fine and they are getting used to the high altitude, so tomorrow they will move to that camp and the day after tomorrow they will move to camp 2. Since the weather is looking good for the next days they have decided to go up faster.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Mon, 27 Jan 2014 18:47:33 -0300http://patagonicas.com/already-on-base-camp-of-aconcagua/7+2 projecthttp://patagonicas.com/7-2-project/
<p>We are proud to be part of the project 7 +2, this amazing adventure is going to be performed by Jing Wang. This beautiful Chinese lady is attempting to climb all of the 7 summits and go to the 2 poles in less than 6 months and 11 days, the current record. But in fact Jing is planning to climb 9 summits just to be sure for those who cannot really decide which summits are the highest. She is climbing whit Mark Whetu an experimented climber and outstanding cameraman who has the not easy task of filming and take pictures of the entire project.</p>
<p>She has already done the South Pole and Mont Vinson and now she is here in Mendoza, Argentina ready to go for Aconcagua, the second highest mountaing outside the Himalayas consequently the second highest peak of the Seven Summit . Jing Wang arrived yesterday and after we got the climbing permit we enjoyed the clasic Mendocinian oversize steak and Malbec wines.</p>
<p>Today they took a day off so we went to a beautiful winery for lunch and wine tasting, we had a good time eating spectacular food and dinking diferent tipes of local wines and some of the best Malbecs of the world.</p>
<p>Tomorrow they will flight to base camp Plaza Argentina (13,800 ft or 4200 m) by helicopter to start climbing this beautifull and challenging mountain</p>
<p>In the picture taken at the main entrance of the Park Hyatt Mendoza, the hotel where all our clients stay, you can see from left to right Mark Whetu, Jing Wang, Rodrigo Mujica AP director and Eliel Jatib AP operation manager. In the other picture is Jing at the winery.</p>
<p>We'll keep you posted of the progress of this amazing adventure<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Paragonicas team</span></p>
<p> </p>Sun, 26 Jan 2014 14:37:56 -0300http://patagonicas.com/7-2-project/White Rockshttp://patagonicas.com/white-rocks/
<p>The Team has set camp at White Rocks (high camp 5,850m or 19,200 ft.) and they are ready to go for the summit.</p>
<p>They waited for better weather at camp 2 for 3 days and tomorrow there is a nice window weather so they are going for the summit. (picture from a previous trip taken at White Rocks)</p>
<p>We will send a dispatch tomorrow as soon as we have news</p>
<p>Good luck to them!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Sun, 26 Jan 2014 14:31:48 -0300http://patagonicas.com/white-rocks/The Whole team is at Higt Camphttp://patagonicas.com/the-whole-team-is-at-higt-camp/
<p>The Whole team is at Higt Camp! They moved to high camp , or White Rocks, this morning which is at 5,850m or 19,200 ft. Everyone is fine up there. They plan to go for the summit tomorrow. They resisted winds of over 100 km per hour at 18,000 ft or 5400 m and now they are ready to go for the summit, this is an awesome accomplishment.</p>
<p>We keep our fingers crossed for a beautiful summit day. I attached a picture of White Rocks.</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
<p> </p>Sun, 26 Jan 2014 14:29:10 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-whole-team-is-at-higt-camp/strong winds at camp 2 http://patagonicas.com/strong-winds-at-camp-3/
<p>Our two teams on the mountain are facing strong winds at camp 2 but everybody is fine, They are trying very hard to hold in the camp, the weather looks promissing for the next few days and this will give them a chance to go for the summit.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>Thu, 23 Jan 2014 21:31:33 -0300http://patagonicas.com/strong-winds-at-camp-3/strong winds at camp 2 http://patagonicas.com/strong-winds-at-camp-2/
<p>Our two teams on the mountain are facing strong winds at camp 2 but everybody is fine, They are trying very hard to hold in the camp, the weather looks promissing for the next few days and this will give them a chance to go for the summit.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>Thu, 23 Jan 2014 17:34:50 -0300http://patagonicas.com/strong-winds-at-camp-2/CHOPPER CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-7/
<p>The team is at Camp II, the Chopper Camp, at 18,000 ft. Everyone is fine, according to guide Mili. We just spoke and he says the plan is to carry a load to High Camp, at 19,600 ft, tomorrow, and then a rest day at camp 2 and then move to high camp but it will all depend on the weather.</p>
<p>(picture of the high slopes of Mt Aconcagua, from a previous trip).</p>
<p>Regards.</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:56:38 -0300http://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-7/GETTING CLOSE TO THE TOPhttp://patagonicas.com/getting-close-to-the-top-3/
<p>The group reached Camp II (18,000 ft) today. They will do a carry to high camp, at almost 6,000m (19,600 ft), tomorrow. the plan can change because the weather forecast shows high winds, I attach a picture from a previous trip.</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:38:54 -0300http://patagonicas.com/getting-close-to-the-top-3/RESTING AT CAMP Ihttp://patagonicas.com/resting-at-camp-i-3/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Wesley (Our Lead Guide) just called! The team is strong and everybody is fine, yesterday they carried to camp 2. (picture of camp 1)</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Depending on how the team is feeling, they will move to camp 2 or they will rest one extra at camp 1,It is always better to rest in lower camps since resting up high becomes more difficult.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">We will post news when they call again</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Cheers<br/></span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Wed, 22 Jan 2014 00:38:30 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-camp-i-3/INCIDENT WITH PARK RANGERShttp://patagonicas.com/incident-with-park-rangers/
<p>A successfully carried a load to camp 1 yesterday. Everyone did well and are doing great. Today they will either rest or move to Camp 1.</p>
<p>The trip had a small incident which AP fixed immediately in order to provide the highest standard which characterizes the company. Lead Guide Augusto Ortega, had an incident and misunderstanding with the Park Rangers while caring for one of his client's health giving her a chance to continue on the approach. Park Rangers labeled this action as pushy in regards to the client's health, who according to park officials needed to be evacuated, while Augusto was giving her a chance to improve on the approach hike to Base Camp.</p>
<p>To make a long story short, Augusto was kicked out of the Park! An action completely unprecedented for our highly esteemed Augusto who has guided almost 60 expeditions on Aconcagua!!</p>
<p>Within a day we had one of our best guides back on the mountain, already fully acclimatized from being on the summit just 3 days ago, Wesley Bunch, helicoptered into Base Camp to take over Augusto's spot as Lead Guide. Everyone happy! Kudos to AP!</p>
<p>Client was diagnosed with a minor cold and Augusto received apologies from the Park Service and his permit money refunded...so much for brilliant judgement from the Park.<span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>We are so sorry Augusto, your team will miss you this trip, and Wes will do his utmost to take it from here. We look forward to you returning to the mountain with AP!</p>
<p> </p>Sat, 18 Jan 2014 20:24:03 -0300http://patagonicas.com/incident-with-park-rangers/big snow storms on the mountainhttp://patagonicas.com/big-snow-storms-on-the-mountain/
<p>Yesterday the group reached high camp, unfortunatly due to big snow storms it was imposible for over fifty climbers from every company to continue their journey to the summit. Tonight the group will be spending night on high camp, preparing all their gear for the way down. Tomorrow everyone will descend towards "Plaza de Mula", the western basecamp.</p>
<p>This is the only Aventuras patagonicas´s expedition so far this seasson that could not get to the summit. Nonetheless the achivment they have acomplished is to be appreciated.</p>
<p> </p>Sat, 18 Jan 2014 20:19:07 -0300http://patagonicas.com/big-snow-storms-on-the-mountain/TEAM REACHED BASECAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/team-reached-basecamp/
<p>Everyone in the group is doing great. Yesterday after three day walking our team reached base camp, where they are resting and preparing everything for the height.</p>
<p>In the walk they could appreciate one of the most breathtaking view of the Aconcagua, the east face and the Polish Glacier (picture).</p>
<p>Today they will rest and the tomorrow the team will begin the carry-move-rest system to gain altitude. This means that they do a carry of gear and food to the next camp, come back to sleep at a lower altitude, then they actually move to the higher camp, then carry to the next camp, move and so on, until high camp from where they are going to attempt reach the summit.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:00:41 -0300http://patagonicas.com/team-reached-basecamp/PLAZA ARGENTINAhttp://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-5/
<p>After hiking the Vacas Valley and the Relinchos Valley, the team arrived to Plaza Argentina (14200 ft) Yesterday. The approximation trek has one of the most spectacular views of the whole mountain, the Polish Glacier (picture from a previous trip).</p>
<p>Everyone is fine and resting at base camp, tomorro will be the first carry day, they wil take a load to camp 1.</p>
<p>We will be uploading news and pictures every time they call us from the sat phone, so we´ll be in touch soon!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 16 Jan 2014 17:57:36 -0300http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-5/CHOPPER CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-6/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The team is at camp 2 or Chopper Camp, Yesterday they did a carry to high camp, they left a load of food, fuel and some equipment at almost 6.000m.</span></p>
<p>Today they are having a deserved rest at camp 2, they need it because tomorrow they will move to the high camp, called Plaza Colera or White Rocks (19,685'), focused on the summit. they will probably go for it the 18th</p>
<p>We will keep you posted</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 16 Jan 2014 17:53:38 -0300http://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-6/THE ROAD TO CAMP 1http://patagonicas.com/the-road-to-camp-1/
<p>Today the team left the confort of Plaza Argentina to set camp at camp 1 at 4900m. (picture of a previous trip at camp 1)</p>
<p>Eliana Called from there and told us everybody is feeling well, in the next days they will carry a load to Choper camp or camp 2.</p>
<p>We will post mor news soon!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Mon, 13 Jan 2014 09:01:39 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-road-to-camp-1/SUMMIT!!http://patagonicas.com/summit-27/
<p>Wesley called from the summit!!</p>
<p>5 climbers and 3 guides stood at the highest point of this half of the globe (22,834 ft 6.962m) today! Everyone is happy and tired. They have a walk down to Plaza de Mulas (the Normal route base camp) ahead, to complete the Aconcagua traverse. And after a good dinner and night there, they will hike out to Penitentes (trailhead), to be back in Mendoza by Tuesday.</p>
<p>Congratulations to a brave team. I attach a picture, from a previous season, to give you an idea of the achievement.</p>
<p>Saludos<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>
<p> </p>Sun, 12 Jan 2014 15:18:30 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-27/A NEW EXPEDITION LEFT MENDOZAhttp://patagonicas.com/a-new-expedition-left-mendoza/
<p>A new expedition left Mendoza today, after the usual welcoming dinner and climbing permit paperwork in the morning. The 8 climbers and guides Emiliano Poletti, Beau Carrillo and Mariana Gallego will spend the night in Penitentes, 3 km from the trailhead, and they will begin the 3-day hike in to base camp tomorrow. I attach a picture of the group, posing at the Hyatt hotel, before the 180 km ride to Penitentes. We will be posting dispatches when they call me from the mountain. Regards.</p>
<p>The 8 climbers are Wade Salyards, Bill Telford, Martin Telford, Jaroslav Jakubec, Henry Fincher, Christopher Reddin, Thomas Parker and Mark Jared.</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
<p> </p>Sun, 12 Jan 2014 15:16:49 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-expedition-left-mendoza/THE TEAM LEFT THE CITYhttp://patagonicas.com/the-team-left-the-city-3/
<p>Our seventh group of this season, a group of 8 climbers and 3 guides, departed for Penitentes today. The team is lead by Augusto Ortega a Peruvian guide who has 65 summit on Aconcagua, Assisted by Felipe Randis frem Argentina , And Ilda Lazo from Peru</p>
<p>They spent one night in Mendoza, where we enjoy a nice dinner, we drank Malbec and we ate delicious oversize steaks.</p>
<p>Tonight They will stay at Penitentes in a Mountain lodge. Tomorrow they will finally begin the 3-day hike into Base Camp, at 4200m, or 13800 ft approx.</p>
<p>The Team members are, David Dyess, Theresa Dyess, Sheuda Shakibzadeh, Claudia Cosicodar, Hilde Orderud, Mihai Novac, Niv Slama and Michael Malone.</p>
<p>There goes a picture of the team at the Hyatt`s entrance, just before they left Mendoza.</p>
<p>We will be uploading news and pictures every time they call us from the sat phone.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Sun, 12 Jan 2014 15:14:31 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-team-left-the-city-3/RESTING AT CAMP 2http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-camp-2/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Today I Wesley called, He told us that everybody is fine.</span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>Yesterday the team decided to move to camp 2, Today they did a carry to High Camp or White Rocks 19,685 ft (pic).,If everything goes like Wes thinks, tomorrow they will rest at Camp 2, the day after tomorrow the team will move to High Camp, And Sunday 12th will be the summit day. He can anticipate this because the group is strong and there is a good weather window. But remember Conditions in the mountain can change fast and every plan is open to change.</p>
<p>Good luck to them!!</p>
<p>Cheers<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Thu, 09 Jan 2014 18:38:26 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-camp-2/BASE CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/base-camp-10/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The team arrived to Plaza Argentina Today.Eliana, The lead guide, told me that everybody is fine.In the trek they could see one of the most spectacular view of Aconcagua, the east face (picture).Tomorrow they will have a deserve rest and they will start thinking on the next step, carry to camp 1.</span></p>
<p>I will post more news soon</p>
<p> </p>Thu, 09 Jan 2014 09:44:50 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-10/TOWARDS THE MOUNTAINhttp://patagonicas.com/towards-the-mountain-4/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Six climbers and three guides left Mendoza today, at noon. They are a nice team and they are going to have great time on the mountain.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Yesterday the team met at the Park Hyatt hotel, we had the usual group meeting and then went to dinner. Now the team is going to Los Penitentes (3 hours by van), a small place in the heart of the Central Andes, the last bed and hot shower in two weeks for them. They will begin their 3-day hike in to base camp tomorrow.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The team is lead by the Argentinian guide Eliena Camaño and assisted by Rolo Abaca and Agustin Karriere both from Argentina</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The climbers are Kaitlin Thier, Austin Masterson, Angus Brooksby, Peter Nagl, Monika Nagl, Johanna Gustafsson.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">I will be updating information as the Guides call me from their sat phone.</span></p>Sun, 05 Jan 2014 22:15:55 -0300http://patagonicas.com/towards-the-mountain-4/CAMP Ihttp://patagonicas.com/camp-i-8/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Wes called from camp I, The group is in good shape and adapting to the high altitude world. Yesterday they rest at base camp, Tonight they will sleep at camp I and tomorrow they will carry a load to camp II. (picture of a previous group)</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">We will keep you posted<br/></span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Sun, 05 Jan 2014 21:57:28 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-8/RESTING AT PLAZA ARGENTINAhttp://patagonicas.com/resting-at-plaza-argentina-4/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">After walking with light backpacks, in beautiful scenery, for three days, our 5th trip of the season arrived to Plaza Argentina today. The Relinchos Valley base camp, at 14,000ft, It is where the climbers begin to acclimatize to altitude, the dry environment and the life in tents. Picture of the view from the trail, taken in a previous trip.</span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>The first day in Base Camp is always a rest day and a good occasion to take a bath and go for a short walk. They will divide expedition loads to carry to the next camp; community gear, fuel, food and individual lunches. The proces of carrying and them move to a higher camp is the most effective way to acclimatize to the low oxygen environment.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>
<p> </p>Thu, 02 Jan 2014 00:07:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-plaza-argentina-4/TO ACONCAGUA!!!!http://patagonicas.com/to-aconcagua/
<p>A happy group left this morning for the mountains where they will spend the night in Penitentes. Our guides have done a great job preparing everyone for the trip and all are feeling the excitment leading up to the climb. Tonight they will enjoy one last meal in penitentes and a warm bed to sleep in. Tomorow begins the trek to basecamp up the vacas valley.</p>
<p>The team member are Nelson Borch Anna Borch father and daughter, Thomas Flad and Katrina Flad, Claire Floriet, William Strycharz, Donal Fowler, Jonathan Crockett Philip RasoriAnd Tina Rasori. The lead guide is Wesley Bunch a senior guide from Jackson Hole Wyoming. He has more than 20 summits of Aconcagua. His two co-guides are Luchi Marun and Sebastian Ruiz are both from Argentina. (Picture of the group at Mendoza)</p>Mon, 30 Dec 2013 08:07:20 -0300http://patagonicas.com/to-aconcagua/SUMMIT!!!http://patagonicas.com/summit-26/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Yesterday 80% of the team members summited Aconcagua!</span></p>
<p>And today all of them completed the Aconcagua travese, by now they are resting at Plaza de Mulas (Base camp)!</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Congratulation to all of them!!!<br/></span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>
<p> </p>Sun, 29 Dec 2013 22:25:57 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-26/SUMMIThttp://patagonicas.com/summit-25/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Yesterday the team summited Aconcagua!!</span></p>
<p>All of the group members are fine, and now they are comming down to Plaza de Mulas.</p>
<p>More details coming soon about the summit day.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Congratulations to all of them!<br/></span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>
<p> </p>Sun, 29 Dec 2013 22:21:52 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-25/HIGH CAMP HEADING TO THE SUMMIThttp://patagonicas.com/high-camp-heading-to-the-summit/
<p>The team is at High camp rigth now, in a few hours they will start walking to the Summit of Aconcagua ( 22,834 ft, 6,962 m). The weather looks promising and motivation is high. They will face a long but beautiful day and a lasting experience.</p>
<p>We will upload news when they call us from the summit.<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team.</span></p>
<p> </p>Sat, 28 Dec 2013 12:33:10 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-camp-heading-to-the-summit/CHRISTMAS AT CAMP 2http://patagonicas.com/christmas-at-camp-2/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Mark the lead guide called us today, he said that they did the carry to high camp at almost at 6,000 meters (picture of this camp).</span></p>
<p>They spent christmas at camp 2, a diferent way to celebrate it, but we know they will never forget that day.</p>
<p>All of the teams members are fine and ready to move up. Tomorrow they will move to White Rocks or High camp, from this camp they will attempt the summit. As we told you a few days ago summit day will be the 28th.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted.<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>
<p> </p>Thu, 26 Dec 2013 16:10:33 -0300http://patagonicas.com/christmas-at-camp-2/CHOPPER CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-5/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Today the team left a load at camp II or Chopper camp, Augusto said that all of them did the carry without problem, they are feeling fine and ready to move to chopper camp tomorrow, so they will be there for Christmas eve.</span></p>
<p>They are thinking on going to the summit on the 28th, this might change because of the weather or how they are feeling but everything is pointing that 28th will be the summit day</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">We will be posting more news soon!<br/></span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>
<p> </p>Mon, 23 Dec 2013 18:39:03 -0300http://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-5/CARRY TO CHOPPER CAMP DONE!http://patagonicas.com/carry-to-chopper-camp-done/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Today Mark the lead guide called us, he told us that everybody is ok and today they did a carry to camp II or Chopper camp (18.000 ft or 5450m approx ).</span></p>
<p>Tomorrow they will move to camp 2, where they are going to spend christmas eve.</p>
<p>If the weather condition keeps stable they will go for the summit on the 28th.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">We will keep you posted<br/></span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>Mon, 23 Dec 2013 17:46:35 -0300http://patagonicas.com/carry-to-chopper-camp-done/CAMP Ihttp://patagonicas.com/camp-i-7/
<p>The team is at camp I 16.000 ft (picture from a previous trip). Yesterday they moved there after a carry, now the next steps are carry a load to camp II and them move to that camp.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted.<br/>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Mon, 23 Dec 2013 09:12:38 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-7/CAMP 1http://patagonicas.com/camp-3/
<p>Yesterday the team made a carry to Camp 1, all of the team members did it fine.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Agusto the lead guide told us that he was thinking on having another rest day at base camp.</span></p>
<p>The next step is to move to camp 1 (4900m). Picture of the trail taken by a previous group.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Will keep you posted<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>
<p> </p>Sat, 21 Dec 2013 20:44:44 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-3/SUMMIT!!!!http://patagonicas.com/summit-24/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">All the teams members Summited today!</span></p>
<p>Now they are resting on their tents at High Camp. Tomorrow will be another big day they will complete the Aconcagua Traverse by going down to Plaza de Mula the other Base Camp where the team will spend a night. The day after tomorrow they will walk through the Horcones valley and then take a van to the Hyatt Mendoza, where they are going to take the best shower of their lives.</p>
<p>Congratulations to the team!!!!!</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>
<p> </p>Sat, 21 Dec 2013 12:10:33 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-24/SUMMIT DAY TOMORROWhttp://patagonicas.com/summit-day-tomorrow-3/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The team has set camp at White Rocks (high camp,19,700ft). they are feeling fine and they are doing well and feeling well acclimatized.</span></p>
<p>Tomorrow around 3 am they will wake up and after eating breakfast, the group will start the last climb of the expedition, the team will go for the summit of Aconcagua 6.962m. It will be a long day full of strong feelings. At the end of the day they will be back in their tents knowing that they gave the best of them.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">We wish the best for them!<br/></span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Fri, 20 Dec 2013 11:59:54 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-day-tomorrow-3/ACCLIMATIZATION COMPLETEhttp://patagonicas.com/acclimatization-complete/
<p>The team completed the acclimatization and rest stage at base camp. Tomorrow they will carry their gear and food to Camp I, after that they will rest one more day at base camp and then moved to camp I. Camp I is at 15,750 ft. There goes a pic of the trail, from a previous trip. We will kep you posted.<span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>Cheers!<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>Thu, 19 Dec 2013 22:22:25 -0300http://patagonicas.com/acclimatization-complete/BASE CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/base-camp-9/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The group completed succesfully the approach and spent one deserved rest day at base camp (13,950'). In the 3-day hike in they had the chance to see the beautiful East Face of Aconcagua, with an excellent view of the Polish Glacier (photo). Tomorrow they will do their first carry, to leave a cache of food and gear at Camp I. Everyone is strong and happy.</span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>More news soon!<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>Thu, 19 Dec 2013 22:18:21 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-9/ON THE WAY TO HIGH CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/on-the-way-to-high-camp/
<p>The team is at camp 2 ready to move to White Rocks, they are almost at 6000m, tomorrow morning they will go to high camp. This is the last step before going for the summit.</p>
<p>The day after tomorrow they will wake up really early in the morning to got for the summit attempt!</p>
<p>There is a good weather window coming , but condition on the mountain can change without notice.</p>
<p>We will tell you when the group sets camp at White Rocks</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
<p> </p>Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:16:11 -0300http://patagonicas.com/on-the-way-to-high-camp/CAMP IIhttp://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-5/
<p>The team has successfully moved to Chopper camp or camp 2. (18,000 ft, 5400 m) They are getting used to the thin air by carrying and then moving up on the mountain.</p>
<p>Mili, told us that all of them are feeling well but a little tired, that's why tomorrow the team will have a wells deserved rest day and the next day they will carry a load to high camp at almost 6,000 meters. (pic from a previous trip)</p>
<p>We will keep you posted.<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:53:03 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-5/A NEW ACONCAGUA ADVENTURE BEGANhttp://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-adventure-began-3/
<p>
</p><div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">Ten climbers and three guides left Mendoza today. They had a nice and smooth meeting yesterday in the patio of the Park Hyatt and then went for a great dinner and some Malbec red wine.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">Leading the team is Mark Postle from US, with him are Rolo Abaca and Elina Camaño awesome Mendocinian Guides. The climbers are Derek Horan, Guylaine Roy, Jared McFaddin, James Yee, Cassidy Roberts Yee, MacGregor Lennarz, Leo Wang, Francisco Garza, Javier Benitez and Willem Mutsaerts.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">They rode a van to Los Penitentes (2700m), a small place in the heart of the Central Andes, the last bed and hot shower in two weeks for them. They will begin their 3-day hike to base camp tomorrow.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">We will post more news every time they call us by sat phone</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">Cheers!</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</div>
<p>Ten climbers and three guides left Mendoza today. They had a nice and smooth meeting yesterday in the patio of the Park Hyatt and then went for a great dinner and some Malbec red wine.</p>
<p>Leading the team is Mark Postle from US, with him are Rolo Abaca and Elina Camaño awesome Mendocinian Guides. The climbers are Derek Horan, Guylaine Roy, Jared McFaddin, James Yee, Cassidy Roberts Yee, MacGregor Lennarz, Leo Wang, Francisco Garza, Javier Benitez and Willem Mutsaerts.</p>
<p>They rode a van to Los Penitentes (2700m), a small place in the heart of the Central Andes, the last bed and hot shower in two weeks for them. They will begin their 3-day hike to base camp tomorrow.</p>
<p>We will post more news every time they call us by sat phone</p>
<p>Cheers!<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Mon, 16 Dec 2013 08:16:20 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-adventure-began-3/TOWARD THE MOUNTAINShttp://patagonicas.com/toward-the-mountains/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">A new Aventuras Patagonicas expedition left Mendoza (Argentina) Today. Eight climbers and three guides joined forces to do their best in the big challenge of climbing the highest mountain in the World outside of the Himalayas range. At 22,834 ft, 6962 m, Mt Aconcagua</span></p>
<p>The team is lead by Augusto Ortega, from Peru, He is the man that has been most times on Aconcagua summit, arrownd 64 time. With him are Felipe Randis, from Mendoza and Elyzabeth Horan, from the US, two strong guides. The climbers are: Patrick Murphy, Jonh Salvino, Jeff Wittich, Nicholas Wickes, Markus Fritsch, Narmada Nanjundan, Uma Nanjundan and Nicholas Dumesnil.</p>
<p>Yesterday we have a great time having dinner. We drank good Malbec Wines and enjoy Argentinian Stakes. After this some of the climbers decided to try Mendocinian nightlife</p>
<p>They left to Los Penitentes (2700m) today, where they will spend the night. They have a 3-day approach ahead, to get to the base camp PLaza Argentina (almost 14.000ft).</p>
<p>We will be posting more news soon</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Sun, 15 Dec 2013 22:26:34 -0300http://patagonicas.com/toward-the-mountains/SUMMIT!!!!http://patagonicas.com/summit-23/
<p>The first group of the season summited today! Wesley and two climbers stood at 22,834 ft or 6962 m, the highest point of the western hemisphere.<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Wes called from there, he said that it was a long and hard climb to the top but it was worth it, and of course they were very happy.</span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>Tomorrow they will complete the Aconcagua traverse. They will descend to Plaza de Mulas, hike out to Horcones and finally come back to Mendoza on tuesday. I will let you know how everything goes.</p>
<p>The picture was taken at the summit by a previous group</p>
<p>Congratulation to the team!!</p>
<p> </p>Sun, 15 Dec 2013 22:23:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-23/GETTING CLOSEhttp://patagonicas.com/getting-close/
<p>Wesley just called from White Rocks (high camp), Everybody is feeling well but a little tired because they have done a big effort to get to almost 6.000 m. At that height the view is amazing, We posted a picture of a view from high camp</p>
<p>Now they are resting there to recover strength for the big day, Tomorrow they will take the summit. They are going to wake up realy early in the morning to try to get to the summit at midday</p>
<p>We wish good luck!!</p>
<p> </p>Sat, 14 Dec 2013 18:03:11 -0300http://patagonicas.com/getting-close/TO HIGH CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/to-high-camp/
<p>Wes called, he told us that the team is doing great in the height, also he said that tomorow they are going to move to White Rocks (high Camp 5,850 mts - 19,200 ft,). This means that after tomorrow will be summit day.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Saludos<br/></span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Sat, 14 Dec 2013 00:26:30 -0300http://patagonicas.com/to-high-camp/Plaza Argentinahttp://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-4/
<p>Yesterday the team arrived to Plaza Argentina (base camp). Today they spend the day resting and preparing the loads to carry tomorrow to camp 1. after that they will rest another day at base camp.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted</p>
<p>Saludos<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Fri, 13 Dec 2013 08:36:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-4/CHOPPER CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-4/
<p>The team is at Chopper camp (camp 2), tomorrow they will rest and after tomorrow they will move to high camp.</p>
<p>Wesley told us that everyone is doing great. The forecast for the next days looks good so they have a big chance!</p>
<p>More news soon!</p>
<p> </p>Fri, 13 Dec 2013 08:28:38 -0300http://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-4/CAMP 1http://patagonicas.com/camp-1/
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The team made it to Camp 1 (4900m), Yesterday they tried to move to camp 1 but the wind prevented them from going up on the mountain.</span></p>
<p>Everybody is fine and doing a great climbing. The forecast looks good for the upcoming days. Tomorrow they will carry a load to Chopper camp (camp 2. In the picture you can see this camp).<span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>Will keep you posted</p>
<p>Saludos<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</span></p>
<p> </p>Mon, 09 Dec 2013 22:54:38 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-1/ON THE WAYhttp://patagonicas.com/on-the-way/
<p>The second group of Aventuras Patagonicas is a multicultural team conformed for people from different countries. Yesterday after the presentation meeting we had dinner at a traditional restaurant, we all decided to order a "bife de chorizo" it is a 500gr steak, and of course, we took a few bottles of Malbec.</p>
<p>These morning we got the climbing permits and the team hit the route heading to Penitentes, where they are going to enjoy the last mattresses for a log time.</p>
<p>Tomorrow in the morning the team will start a three day trekking to get to base camp. It's a beautifull hike where they are going to be amazed by scenics landscape and breathtaking view of the east face of Aconcagua.</p>
<p>The team members are, Richard Collis from Australia, Aileen Roberts from Canada, Cris Lonsford from US, Candice Smith also from US, Marius Jensen from England and Kheiry Sammakieh from England. All of them are focused on enjoying every moment of the expedition.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted</p>
<p>Saludos</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Mon, 09 Dec 2013 10:48:42 -0300http://patagonicas.com/on-the-way/BASE CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/base-camp-8/
<p>Today the team reached Plaza Argentina (base camp,13,900 ft), They spent three days hiking through Vacas Valley to get there, in this three days they enjoy a tradicinal asado (argentinian barbecu) cooked by Gauchos, they crossed a river riding a mule and they were amazed when the group saw the east face of Aconcagua (picture).</p>
<p>Now the team is resting and getting used to the height. Tomorrow they will rest and get things ready to carry to camp 1.</p>
<p>Wesley told us that the whole team is feeling great and they are having a really good time.<span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> </span></p>
<p>We will be posting news every time that they call us by satphone.</p>
<p>Saludos<br/><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Wed, 04 Dec 2013 19:07:03 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-8/THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SEASONhttp://patagonicas.com/the-beginning-of-a-new-season/
<p>A new season of Aconcagua has began and the first group of Aventuras Patagonicas is on the way to Penitentes, a small ski resort 6 km from the trailhead (8858 feet). The team will start walking tomorrow from Punta de Vacas.</p>
<p>This days have been cold and windy on the mountain, but the weather is getting better every day as the summer approaches</p>
<p>The team is conformed by James Nicholson from Abu Dhabi, Matt Mosley from the US, Lisa Reinders from Canada, Denis Chew from Australia and two guides, the experienced Wesly Bunch and Luchi Marún from Argentina</p>
<p>There goes a picture of the team at the Hyatt, just before they left Mendoza.</p>
<p>We will be uploading news and pictures every time they call us from the sat phone.</p>
<p>We wish a great season for everybody</p>
<p>Saludos</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</span></p>
<p> </p>Sun, 01 Dec 2013 22:49:32 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-beginning-of-a-new-season/SUMMIT!http://patagonicas.com/summit-22/
<p>Our last expedition of this season ended in the best way. They stood at 22,834 ft or 6,959 mts, in the summit of Aconcagua today at 12:40 pm. There&acute;s no way to get higher than that in this half of the World, since only in the Himalayas there are higher mountains.<br />It was a hard and long climb but it was a beautiful day!<br />Now they will descend directly to Plaza de Mulas and tomorrow they will arrive to Mendoza.<br />Congratulation to the team!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:38:03 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-22/RESTING AT CAMPO DOShttp://patagonicas.com/resting-at-campo-dos/
<p>The team carried to High camp yesterday, and today they are taking a rest day at camp 2, they need to recover forces, because tomorrow they will move to White Rocks (high camp at 19,200 ft) They are hoping to go for the summit the 25th! . It has been quite windy and the forecast is looking better for the 25th. (picture of White Rocks, from a previous trip).</p>
<p>Let's wish them great luck<br />The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:59:06 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-campo-dos/CAMPO UNOhttp://patagonicas.com/campo-uno/
<p>They moved to Camp I, at 16,000 ft, yesterday. They had carried gear and food to CI before moving, so they are used to the altitude.</p>
<p>From now on they will be playing the game of resting, carrying to a higher camp and then moving to that camp, the idea is to gain altitude while keeping the energy.</p>
<p>Today they are carrying a load to Camp II or Chopper camp (18,000 ft).(picture of the terrain, from a previous trip).<br />It is a bit windy at the moment<br />Regards</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>--</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:06:39 -0300http://patagonicas.com/campo-uno/RESTING AT BASE CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp-6/
<p>After a successful carry to Camp 1 The team is resting at Plaza Argentina. Most of the team members are feeling great but a couple of them are not feeling good, so an extra day at Base Camp will be taken. Hopefully the entire team will move to camp 1 tomorrow. (picture of a previous trip)</p>
<p>We will keep you posted</p>
<p>Saludos</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:14:59 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp-6/CAMPO BASEhttp://patagonicas.com/campo-base/
<p>The team is at Plaza Argentina (Base Camp, 14,000 ft).</p>
<p>After three beautiful days hiking they arrive to base camp. In those three days they enjoy beautiful views and they shared a great Asado (BBQ) with the Gauchos, Argentinian cowboys.</p>
<p>Jacob told us that the group is doing great and quite strong. Tomorrow they will carry to Camp 1 and the day after tomorrow they will rest at Plaza Argentina.</p>
<p>Here is a picture of the approach from a previous trip. We will post more news when the team calls us again.<br />Cheers</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:44:28 -0300http://patagonicas.com/campo-base/FINALLY ON THE WAY!http://patagonicas.com/finally-on-the-way/
<p>The group number 10 is finally on the trailhead and they started hiking today.</p>
<p>Today they took the route to Penitentes at 6:30 in the morning, since the route opened this morning after been closed for 6 days. They skipped Penitentes trying to recover some missing time. (picture of the group leaving the city)<br />Now they have ahead 3 days trekking to reach base camp Plaza Argentina (14,000ft).</p>
<p>They will enjoy some awesome views and share an asado (BBQ) with the gauchos (muleteers).</p>
<p>We will post a dispatch every time they call us by sat phone.</p>
<p>Regards<br />The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:18:30 -0300http://patagonicas.com/finally-on-the-way/STUCK IN MENDOZAhttp://patagonicas.com/stuck-in-mendoza/
<p>The group AP 10 with 6 members and 2 Guides was supposed to leave Sunday Feb 10th for Penitentes.<br />Due to major mud slides on the road.</p>
<p>Refer to our dispatch on AP 9 expedition for details:&nbsp;<a href="http://patagonicas.com/mud-slides-on-the-road-back-home/">http://patagonicas.com/mud-slides-on-the-road-back-home/</a></p>
<p>The group has been dealing with this with great optimism and great attitude.&nbsp;A great group with all solid members and great state of mind&nbsp;They will finally be leaving tomorrow AM, skipping Penitentes and hiking the first day to Pampa de Lenas</p>
<p>I attached a pic of today as they wait patiently at the Hyatt in Mendoza, enjoying too many steak dinners by now...</p>
<p>Best</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:27:05 -0300http://patagonicas.com/stuck-in-mendoza/MUD SLIDES ON THE ROAD BACK HOMEhttp://patagonicas.com/mud-slides-on-the-road-back-home/
<p>The group is at Base Camp, celebrating a good summit triumph!</p>
<p>They will walk the Horcones valley tomorrow and spend the night in Penitentes tomorrow night.<br />The road is cut off between Penitentes and Mendoza at the moment so they are sort of "stuck" with a bit of a last adventure before heading home<br />It will all be fine and they will be back in Mendoza as soon as the road opens.</p>
<p>I am pasting below some amazing pictures of this unusual event we have not experienced at this level before.<br />Park Authorities have closed the park and we have a Group in Mendoza waiting to depart for the Mountain as well and 100s of commercial trucks are awaiting for the road to be open as well.</p>
<p>Best<br /> -- <br />Rodrigo Mujica/ AP Director<br />UIAGM / IFMGA Certified Guide</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 10 Feb 2013 18:32:42 -0300http://patagonicas.com/mud-slides-on-the-road-back-home/SUMMIT!!http://patagonicas.com/summit-21/
<p>Wesley called from the summit! They had a nice climb, the weather was, he said, He sounded happy. They were ready to head back to the high camp. Tomorrow they will walk down to the Normal route base camp, Plaza de Mulas, to complete the Aconcagua traverse. We are glad to know they stood at the top! (picture of the summit ridge, form a previous trip).</p>Sat, 09 Feb 2013 18:30:10 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-21/The team is at 6,000mhttp://patagonicas.com/the-team-is-at-6-000m/
<p>The team is at 6,000m! They moved to high camp this morning, or White Rocks, which is at 5,850m or 19,200 ft. Everyone is fine up there, Wesley said. They plan to go for the summit tomorrow.&ccedil;</p>
<p>We keep our fingers crossed for a beautiful summit day. I attached a picture of White Rocks.</p>
<p>Regards<br />The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:02:10 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-team-is-at-6-000m/weather is goodhttp://patagonicas.com/weather-is-good/
<p>I just got a call from Wes. The group is doing fine and they are at Camp II well anchored.</p>
<p>Moral is high and they are waiting for a good weather window to move to High Camp (Their last Camp!)<br />We talk extensively about the weather forecast. As you can see in the chart attached they have a window on Saturday the 9th, but another forecast is calling for 20 cm of snow.</p>
<p>It was snowing at the moment he called me and 5 cm of new snow where in the ground.</p>
<p>They may even move tomorrow and tackle the summit the 9th or possibly as well rest tomorrow and, wait the storm until moving to high camp and try the summit the 11th<br />Also as you can see on the chart weather is good the 12 and 13, but that puts them a bit far behind schedule and with a lot of nights at high Camp.</p>
<p>Let's wish them the best</p>
<p>Best</p>
<p>Rodrigo Mujica / AP Director</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:39:35 -0300http://patagonicas.com/weather-is-good/CHOPPER CAMPhttp://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-3/
<p>Yesterday they carried a load to camp II And today the team moved to Chopper camp.</p>
<p>Now they are resting there and tomorrow they will rest all day long. They need to be strong for the following days.</p>
<p>We will post more news when Wesley calls us.</p>
<p>Saludos</p>
<p>The &nbsp;Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:46:17 -0300http://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-3/Summit! http://patagonicas.com/summit-20/
<p>
<p class="p1">4 people reached the summit today! They were standing at the highest point in the world outside&nbsp; of Asia, 6962 m at 22,834 feet<br /> It was a hard day but now the team is resting at White Rocks. Tomorrow they will complete the traverse and spend the night at Plaza de Mulas.</p>
<p class="p1">Congratulations to the team!</p>
<p class="p1">We are very happy for them</p>
<p class="p1">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
</p>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:42:28 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-20/having a great time in the mountainhttp://patagonicas.com/having-a-great-time-in-the-mountain/
<p>The group has sent us a picture from Plaza Argentina, they are having a great time in the mountain.</p>
<p>The team has carried a load to camp 1 (18.000 ft).</p>
<p>Today they are resting at base camp but tomorrow they will leave the comfort of base camp to enter the world of high altitude, the first step is to move to Camp 1.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted.</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Sat, 02 Feb 2013 23:01:16 -0300http://patagonicas.com/having-a-great-time-in-the-mountain/TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAYhttp://patagonicas.com/tomorrow-is-the-big-day-2/
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<p class="p1">The Team has set camp at White Rocks (high camp) and they are ready to go for the summit. As we to told you, they will attempt the summit tomorrow. The team is highly motivate and feeling good, besides tomorrow there is a&nbsp;window of good weather. (picture taken near to the summit)&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">We will send a dispatch tomorrow as soon as we have news</p>
<p class="p1">Good luck to them!</p>
<p class="p1">The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sat, 02 Feb 2013 22:51:48 -0300http://patagonicas.com/tomorrow-is-the-big-day-2/SIX THOUSAND METERS http://patagonicas.com/six-thousand-meters/
<p>Today the team did a carry to High Camp (White Rocks) reaching a few meters below 6000 meters height!</p>
<p>Now the team is at Chopper Camp. Tomorrow they will have a well deserved rest to recover forces to face the summit day, It will probably takes place on Febrary 3rd. But first they have to move to White Rocks.(picture of White Rocks)</p>
<p>More news when they call us.</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:44:11 -0300http://patagonicas.com/six-thousand-meters/Asado in Pampa de Leñashttp://patagonicas.com/asado-in-pampa-de-le-as/
<p>I just received pictures of our team, the pictures were taken at Pampa de Le&ntilde;as 2 days ago. <br />There they enjoy a traditional Asado (barbecue). It was a great day, as it always is, since it was the first day they got in contact with the mountains.</p>
<p>In the picture you can see Wesley talking to the group about how will be that day.</p>
<p>Today they will arrive to Plaza Argentina, I will post more news when Wesley calls me.</p>
<p>Cheers <br />Eliel Jatib</p>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:00:27 -0300http://patagonicas.com/asado-in-pampa-de-le-as/TOWARDS CAMP 2 http://patagonicas.com/towards-camp/
<p>The team is resting at camp 1, they are fine and motivated to go higher.</p>
<p>They have carried a load to camp 2 (17,500 ft.). Tomorrow the will move to Chopper camp (Camp 2). On the next days will snow a little and then they will have have some great weather window when they positioned themselves below the summit!<br /> (picture of camp 1 taken by a previous trip).</p>
<p>We will keep you updated</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:31:25 -0300http://patagonicas.com/towards-camp/THE TEAM LEFT THE CITY http://patagonicas.com/the-team-left-the-city-2/
<p>A new group is on the way to Penitentes. The team is composed of 8 climbers and 3 guides. the climbers are Phillip Teperman (Slash), Adriana Beer, Mark Beer, Stephen Armstrong, Jennifer Armstrong, Alexander Beattie, Gene Dionne And Andrew Camilleri. The three guides are Wesley Bunch from USA, Eliana Cama&ntilde;o and Rolo Abaca both from Argentina.</p>
<p>Because flights issues yesterday only were 7 the climbers who were in Mendoza, We had a great dinner, we ate over sized steaks and drank Mendocinians Wines.</p>
<p>This morning we did the last permits and 7 climbers and 2 guides took the road to Penitentes at 1 pm.</p>
<p>Fortunately Andrew arrived at 1:20. The permits office and the rent store were waiting for us, so we did the permit, we rented boots and had lunch. Guess what we ate for lunch. Monster steaks Ofcourse! ! Around 4 p.m Andrew and Rolo left the city.</p>
<p>Now the whole team is at Penitentes!</p>
<p>We will be posting dispatches every 3-4 days when guides call us by Sat phone with updates.</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>Sun, 27 Jan 2013 21:47:51 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-team-left-the-city-2/MOVING TO CAMP I http://patagonicas.com/moving-to-camp-i/
<p>We just recive this e-mail from Jacob!</p>
<p>"Hello everyone,&nbsp;wanted to let you know that to day we enjoyed a nice rest day at base camp. Yesterday we carried to C1 everyone did ok........&nbsp;The team is great!</p>
<p>We are going to move up to camp one tomorrow, ill try to call you from the sat phone.<br />Cheers,&nbsp;Jacob"</p>
<p>We will keep you posted (picture of camp 1, taken on a previous trip)<br />Saludos<br />The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 27 Jan 2013 21:43:56 -0300http://patagonicas.com/moving-to-camp-i/BEATEN BY THE WIND http://patagonicas.com/beaten-by-the-wind/
<p>The wind forced our team to abort the expedition. After been hit hard by the wind the group decided to come down to Plaza Argentina, where the Group is recovering eating good Base Camp food and breathing thick air. Tomorrow they are going to start walking out through the Vacas Valley, it will take 2 day to get to penitentes.(picture of a previous trip)<br />Best Wishes for each member, as always the safety of our members is our main concern.</p>
<p>Best Regards</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 27 Jan 2013 13:25:09 -0300http://patagonicas.com/beaten-by-the-wind/BEAUTIFUL WEATHER ON HIKE INhttp://patagonicas.com/beautiful-weather-on-hike-in/
<p>We just got some news from Jacob, they all made it to Base Camp today after a beautiful hike in in great weather after some rain in Penitentes. They will be taking a rest day tomorrow. This is an exciting part of the trip where they get to rest and acclimatize. We have great food at Base Camp, a Chef etc, so life is not too harsh there. The day after tomorrow they will carry to Camp 1 and then maybe rest again or move to Camp 1 depending on how they are doing. We will keep you posted.</p>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:51:28 -0300http://patagonicas.com/beautiful-weather-on-hike-in/GETTING CLOSE TO THE TOP http://patagonicas.com/getting-close-to-the-top-2/
<p>The team is at camp II. Today they carried a load to High Camp or White Rocks, so they already know how is to be at 6000 m. Tomorrow they will rest at camp II and after tomorrow the group will move to White Rocks to attempt the summit from there. The weather looks really good so they have a big chance. Picture taken from White Rocks in a previous trip.</p>
<p>We will post a dispatch when I have news.<br />Regards.</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:09:44 -0300http://patagonicas.com/getting-close-to-the-top-2/CAMP I http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-6/
<p>Martin called from camp I, The group is in good shape and adapting to the high altitude world. Yesterday they carried to camp II it was a nice trek and very good for acclimatizing. Tonight they will sleep at camp I and tomorrow they will move to camp II.</p>
<p>We will keep you posted</p>
<p>The Aventuras `Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:06:20 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-6/TOWARDS THE MOUNTAIN http://patagonicas.com/towards-the-mountain-3/
<p>Our 8th group of this season left the city at noon, the 5 climbers are guided by Jacob Schmitz and Josh Garner, both from United States. Jacob has been guiding in Aconcagua for 12 years and this is the second season for Josh.<br />Yesterday we had the meeting and then we share a nice dinner, we enjoyed some Argentinian steaks and we had a good time.<br />Tonight they will stay at Penitentes in the lodge Ayelen. Tomorrow They will begin their hike. It's going to take them 3 days to reach base camp Plaza Argentina. The trailhead is at 8,800 ft and base camp is at 13,940 ft. This hike is good to acclimatize.<br />The climbers are Tom Magill, Sarah McCullough, Sangeeta Sindhi, Seth Schwimmer and Atul Ashar. They are going to share an unforgettable adventure! I attach the clasic picture of the group before leaving Mendoza.<br />Cheers<br />The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:46:18 -0300http://patagonicas.com/towards-the-mountain-3/SUMMIThttp://patagonicas.com/summit-19/
<p>Yesterday Augusto called from the summit, 11 climbers were on the highest point of America 22,838 ft! Today they are doing the traverse and tomorrow they will walk out through the Horcones Valley.</p>
<p>After a necessary shower and a rest in a real bed, They will be having a proper celebration dinner in Mendoza</p>
<p>I attach a nice picture of the summit, from a previous trip.</p>
<p>Congratulations to all of them! Regards</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:42:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-19/RESTING AT BASE CAMP http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp-5/
<p>After a 3 day hike, the team arrived to Plaza Argentina (base camp 13,900 ft) yesterday.</p>
<p>It was a beautiful trek where they could appreciate awesome views (picture) and today they are resting at base camp.</p>
<p>Tomorrow they will carry a load to camp 1 and then they will come back to base camp to sleep. Carrying to higher altitude and sleeping at lower altitude helps the body to adjust to the thin air, to then move to a higher camp.</p>
<p>We're going to post news each they call us by sat phone.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:00:11 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp-5/CAMP 2 (18,000 ft.)http://patagonicas.com/camp-2-18-000-ft/
<p>Today I spoke with Augusto, He told me that everybody is fine.</p>
<p>Yesterday the team decided to move to camp 2, If everything goes like Augusto thinks, today they are going to carry to High Camp or White Rocks 19,685 ft (pic)., tomorrow they will rest at Camp 2, the day after tomorrow the team will move to High Camp, And Saturday 19th will be the summit day. He can anticipate this because the group is strong and there is a good weather window. But remember Conditions in the mountain can change fast and every plan is open to change.</p>
<p>Good luck to them!!<br />Cheers<br />The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:26:14 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-2-18-000-ft/CARRY TO CAMP 2 http://patagonicas.com/carry-to-camp-2/
<p>Augusto ( Our Lead Guide) just called! The team is strong and everybody is fine, yesterday they carried to camp 2.</p>
<p>Depending on how the team is feeling, they will move to camp 2 or they will rest one extra at camp 1,It is always better to rest in lower camps since resting up high becomes more difficult.</p>
<p>I will post news when they call again</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:16:13 -0300http://patagonicas.com/carry-to-camp-2/A NEW ACONCAGUA ADVENTURE BEGANhttp://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-adventure-began-2/
<p>Seven climbers and two guides left Mendoza today, at noon. It is the strongest and most beautiful team that I've ever seen (they forced me to write this), leaving aside the jokes, they are a nice team and they are going to have great time on the mountain.<br /><br />Yesterday the team met at the Park Hyatt hotel, we had the usual group meeting and then went to dinner. Now the team is going to Los Penitentes (3 hours by van), a small place in the heart of the Central Andes, the last bed and hot shower in two weeks for them. They will begin their 3-day hike in to base camp tomorrow.</p>
<p>The team is lead by the Mendocinian guide Martin Molina and assisted by Holmes Pantoja known as Apu, Both experts guides with over 10 years guiding on Aconcagua.</p>
<p>The climbers are Devon Dopfel, Sam Collinson, Margaret Crowley, Steve Darnell, Sara Hvid Arensbach, Jakob Hvid Arensbach, Jobe Wymore.</p>
<p>I will be updating information as the Guides call me from their sat phone.</p>Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:57:15 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-adventure-began-2/All fine on base camphttp://patagonicas.com/all-fine-on-base-camp/
<p>Augusto called from base camp. Everyone is fine. Today they carried to camp 1 (16,000ft) . It was the team first hard day in the mountains, so tomorrow they are going to rest at base camp, so they can be ready to move to Camp 1. They are hoping to move the day after tomorrow.<br />We will keep you posted.<br /><br />Best<br /><br />The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:51:34 -0300http://patagonicas.com/all-fine-on-base-camp/SUMMIT!http://patagonicas.com/summit-18/
<p>The team got to the summit!! The group stood at 22,834 ft, the highest point of America and the highest mountain out of Himalayas. Now they are coming back to high camp.</p>
<p>As we told you yesterday it was a hard climb, but it was totally worth it.</p>
<p>They will be going down to Plaza de Mulas tomorrow, to complete the Aconcagua traverse, in the best Aventuras Patagonicas tradition.</p>
<p>So congratulations to climbers and guides, regards!</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sat, 12 Jan 2013 15:39:27 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-18/FINAL STEPS http://patagonicas.com/final-steps/
<p>The team is moving to high camp (5,850 mts - 19,200 ft). The air is thin there, but the long days spent working in the mountain have prepared the climbers for the effort, The group is strong and motivated and the weather looks good, so tomorrow they will go for the summit. They will get up really early and after breakfast they will begin a 9 hours climb that will take them to the top of America. (Picture,sunset at High camp)<br />We will let you know the news as soon as we get the call.</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:33:06 -0300http://patagonicas.com/final-steps/RESTING IN CAMP 2 http://patagonicas.com/resting-in-camp/
<p>Wesley just called!<br />The strong team is at camp 2, tomorrow they will rest there and the day after tomorrow hthey will carry to High camp.<br />All are doing great!<br />More news when they call<br />Cheers</p>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:40:28 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-in-camp/BASE CAMP http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-7/
<p>The big team arrived to Plaza Argentina Today.Augusto, The lead guide, told me that everybody is fine.</p>
<p>In the trek they could see one of the most spectacular view of Aconcagua, the east face (picture).</p>
<p>Tomorrow they will have a deserve rest and they will start thinking on the next step, carry to camp 1.</p>
<p>I will post more news soon</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:33:06 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-7/CAMP 1 IS SET! http://patagonicas.com/camp-1-is-set/
<p>The team is at camp 1, After a hard and long trek, our group is resting at camp 1. Wesley told us that everybody is in great condition and the weather is good and looks promising. If all goes well they will carry to Camp 2 today</p>
<p>I will keep you informed!<br />Regards</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:03:37 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-1-is-set/CAMP I http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-5/
<p>
<div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I just received a call from Wesley, He said all are doing great and added that they are very strong people. The team has already carried to Camp 1, and today they are moving to camp 1 (4.800m - 15,750 ft).&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">More news soon.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</p>Sun, 06 Jan 2013 23:51:41 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-5/Group 6 to the summit!http://patagonicas.com/group-6-to-the-summit/
<p>Our sixth group of this season, a big group of 10 climbers and three guides, departed for Penitentes today. The team is lead by Augusto Ortega a Peruvian guide who has 60 summit on Aconcagua, Assisted by Rolo Abaca who has just come back from the summit whit AP4, And Elizabeth Horan (from the US but Argentinean by choice).<br />They spent one night in Mendoza, where we enjoy a really nice dinner, we drank lots of Malbec and we ate delicious oversize steaks.<br />Tonight They will stay at Penitentes in a Mountain lodge. Tomorrow they will finally begin the 3-day hike into Base Camp, at 4200m, or 13800 ft approx.<br />The Team members are Edward Searle, Nigel Neath, Christian Navarrete, John Peterson, Kristian Wilhelmsen, David Dyess Tara Palmer, Jeremie Olivier, Adrian Maylon and Glenn Johnson</p>
<p>There goes a picture of the team at the Hyatt`s entrance, just before they left Mendoza.</p>
<p>We will be uploading news and pictures every time they call us from the sat phone.</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>Sun, 06 Jan 2013 17:52:28 -0300http://patagonicas.com/group-6-to-the-summit/PLAZA ARGENTINA http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-3/
<p>Everyone in the group is doing great, after three day walking our team has reached base camp, where they are going to rest and start preparing everything for the height.</p>
<p>In the walk they could appreciate one of the most breathtaking view of the Aconcagua, the east face and the Polish Glacier (picture).<br />Tomorrow they will rest and the day after the team will begin the carry-move-rest system to gain altitude. This means that they do a carry of gear and food to the next camp, come back to sleep at a lower altitude, then they actually move to the higher camp, where they spend a rest day to do the proper acclimatization process, then carry to the next camp, move and so on, until there&acute;s no higher place to go, in other terms the summit.<br />I will write to you soon! Regards</p>
<p>Eliel Jatib</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 22:06:20 -0300http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-3/SUMMIT!!! http://patagonicas.com/summit-17/
<p>Six climbers and three guides made it to the highest point in the Western Hemisphere, the summit of Mt Aconcagua! They stood amazed at 22,834 ft, looking to the rest of the Andes below. Probably a lifetime experience for everyone.</p>
<p>They are going to spend New Year's Eve at hight camp, and tomorrow they will do the traverse to get to Plaza de mulas.<br />Congratulation to the Team and happy New Year!!!</p>
<p>Eliel Jatib<br />Sent from my iPhone. Please pardon any poor text</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 31 Dec 2012 17:12:17 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-17/A NEW YEAR DIFFERENT http://patagonicas.com/a-new-year-different/
<p>After the necessary dose of steak and Mendocinian Malbec our fifth group of this season is in the lodge at Penitentes, where they are going to spend a night, eagerly waiting to go into the mountains.</p>
<p>The team is led by experienced guides Wesley Bunch from from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and assisted by Eliana Cama&ntilde;o and Sebastian Ruiz, both exelentes guides from Mendoza.</p>
<p>The group will receive the new year at Pampa de Lenas (2950M), They will celebrate with a delicious Asado, made by the Arrieros, Argentine wines and of course they will toast with champagne. After the celebrate they have two day walking to get at Base Camp, Plaza Argentina (4100M)</p>
<p>The team members are David Arbuckle, Vince Westmark, Jean Francois Jenk, Josee Lavoie, Maria da Conceicao, Christian Shermann, Astrid Hainz, Melinda Vaturro, Patrick Canonica, Anders Royroy, Tonje Sekse, Katherine Evans.</p>
<p>I will post more information every time I talk to them by the satellite telephone.</p>
<p>I wish a Happy new year to all of you!!!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 31 Dec 2012 11:35:01 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-year-different/SUMMIT DAY TOMORROW!http://patagonicas.com/summit-day-tomorrow-2/
<p>The strong team has set camp at White Rocks (high camp) , a few meters below 6.000m, and They will go for the summit tomorrow. The weather looks promising, and motivation is high. They face a long but beautiful day, and a lasting experience. I can't imagine a better way to end this year and start the new one!</p>
<p>I will transmit the news as soon as I hear from them!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 31 Dec 2012 10:03:41 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-day-tomorrow-2/HIGH CAMP http://patagonicas.com/high-camp-3/
<p>Today the team is at camp 3, tomorrow they will move to the high camp, called Plaza Colera or White Rocks (19,685'), focused on the summit. they will probably go for it the 31th or 1st. After an early sip of tea in the tents, they will probably face an hour or two of unpleasant cold before the sun warms the top of the hemisphere, and then enjoy a landscape which few people has the privilege to experience. If all goes well they will climb slowly to the Windy Pass, then to the Canaleta, the gully leading to the summit, and then they will stand by the cross that marks the 22,834 ft summit. THen they will head back to high camp, to a well deserved rest, and in the next day they will traverse the other side of the mountain towards Plaza de Mulas. I will post the news when they call again. <br />Good luck to the team!</p>Sat, 29 Dec 2012 17:04:18 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-camp-3/team is on the way to Camp IIhttp://patagonicas.com/team-is-on-the-way-to-camp-ii/
<p>After a night at Camp I, the strong team is on the way to Camp II. This afternoon they are going to arrive to camp II. ( at the bottom of the picture you can see Chopper camp, which is Camp II)</p>
<p>I spoke whit Rolo, one of the Guides, he said they are all doing great, and added that they are going to take advantage of the good weather.<br />There is a good window of weather coming for 4-5 days, so we are pretty happy for them!</p>
<p>Best Wishes and stay tuned</p>
<p>Eliel Jatib</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 27 Dec 2012 21:38:33 -0300http://patagonicas.com/team-is-on-the-way-to-camp-ii/CAMP 1 http://patagonicas.com/camp-2/
<p>I just received an email from Cacho, he said that they are rested and ready to go up, so they are heading to camp 1.</p>
<p>Cacho saw a possible window of good weather and decided to move up the mountain.</p>
<p>Everyone is feeling great. They are wishing everyone back home a happy holiday!</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>Eliel Jatib</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 26 Dec 2012 17:14:33 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-2/FIRST HIGH ALTITUDE STEPhttp://patagonicas.com/first-high-altitude-step/
<p>Yesterday the group carried to camp 1,at 16,000 ft., it was a long hard and windy day, so they decided to rest today at base camp. From now on they will be carrying to a higher camp and then moving to that camp.</p>
<p>Cacho (the guide) says everyone is fine and after a well desreved rest they are going to move to camp 1.</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>Eliel Jatib</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 26 Dec 2012 13:14:58 -0300http://patagonicas.com/first-high-altitude-step/back and safe in Mendozahttp://patagonicas.com/back-and-safe-in-mendoza/
<p>The group is back and safe in Mendoza, they aborted the climb due to the tough conditions and low temperatures they encountered.</p>
<p>They are having a a good time in Mendoza, they did a Marathon hike out in one day from Base camp to the trail head from Plaza Argentina!</p>
<p>The mountain is finally giving us a break for the next team...hopefully they will be luckier this time in one of the most unusual seasons we have ever experienced&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 23 Dec 2012 23:00:43 -0300http://patagonicas.com/back-and-safe-in-mendoza/Base camp http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-6/
<p>After hiking the Vacas Valley and the Relinchos Valley, the 9 climbers and 3 guides arrived today to Plaza Argentina (14200 ft). The approximation trek has one of the most spectacular views of the whole mountain, the Polish Glacier (picture from a previous trip).</p>
<p>Everyone is fine, tomorrow they are going to rest and get ready for the carry to camp 1.</p>
<p>I will be uploading news and pictures every time they call us from the sat phone, so we&acute;ll be in touch soon!</p>
<p>Eliel Jatib</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 23 Dec 2012 22:59:05 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-6/FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.... http://patagonicas.com/from-all-over-the-world/
<p>Nine climbers from such different corners of the world as India, Brazil, France, Norway and the US will be family to each other for more than two weeks.</p>
<p>Today, the 9 climbers and three guides began the 3-day hike in to base camp (13,780 ft). Before that we shared a meeting and a welcoming dinner in Mendoza where we all enjoyed the local food and the well-known variety of wines that Mendoza always offer.</p>
<p>The team is lead by guides Cacho Beiza, Rolo Abaca both from Mendoza, and Avilash Brisht from India.</p>
<p>Here is a pic of the group before leaving -while they still look (and smell) good. The name of the climbers are: Ankur Bahl, Dave Lundberg and his wife Amy Hite, Aurelien Conty, Carson Henrion, Alf Midtbo Overland, Lauren and James Hickerson, and Asbjorn Sekse (not in the picture)</p>
<p>I will be sending you all the news of this expedition, every time the Lead Guide calls me from his sat phone.</p>
<p>Regards from Mendoza!</p>
<p>Eliel Jatib</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:48:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/from-all-over-the-world/ZONDA WIND TAKES OVER ACONCAGUA.... http://patagonicas.com/zonda-wind-takes-over-aconcagua/
<p>Group is ok and spirits are high...Group descended for a rest to Base Camp due to the unusually strong winds and stormy weather this season on Aconcagua.</p>
<p>The Zonda wind ( <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zonda_wind">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zonda_wind</a>&nbsp;) is rarely seen on the climbing season but it has taken Aconcagua this time with gusts well over 100 kilometers! <br />Weather info here: <a href="http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Aconcagua/6day/top">http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Aconcagua/6day/top</a><br />Group is recovering eating good Base Camp food and breathing thick air, they will decide soon if they continue up or abort depending on conditions.</p>
<p>A contrast from our previous season where we got ALL TRIPS TO THE TOP.<br /><a href="http://patagonicas.com/all-trips-to-the-top-100-success-rate/">http://patagonicas.com/all-trips-to-the-top-100-success-rate/</a></p>
<p>Best Wishes for each member, as always the safety of our members is AP's main concern and regardless of brutal winds, extreme subzero temperatures, and stormy weather, our clients are safer than ever, our tents erected and food still prepared in the brutality of each storm. Hats of to all AP Guides as well.</p>
<p>Happy Holidays</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:42:45 -0300http://patagonicas.com/zonda-wind-takes-over-aconcagua/CAMP 2!!http://patagonicas.com/camp/
<p>Group arrived yesterday to C2</p>
<p>They are all doing great, but it is still very windy up high<br />A strange weather pattern is still prevalent this season.</p>
<p>The plan is to move to Camp 3 soon or take a rest<br />They still have plenty of days left and are ahead of schedule</p>
<p>We are attaching a pic of a group moving to Camp 2 from a previous trip</p>
<p>Stay tuned,</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:24:30 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp/The Group is happily back in Mendozahttp://patagonicas.com/the-group-is-happily-back-in-mendoza/
<p>The Group is happily back in Mendoza, enjoying life back to civilization in the land of Malbec and Steaks.</p>
<p>We are happy for them.<br />Tough group and they endure some brutal weather up high<br />Team work was a big asset, since this group worked well in the adverse weather up high</p>
<p>I am sure some of them will be back to complete some unfinished business.</p>
<p>Congratulations to all of them again!</p>
<p>Pic of Group fresh in Mendoza before departing</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:40:08 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-group-is-happily-back-in-mendoza/SECOND REST DAY AT BC...A GOOD INVESTMENT http://patagonicas.com/second-rest-day-at-bc-a-good-investment/
<p>The group is doing great and rested at Base Camp yesterday after a successful carry to Camp 1 by all members</p>
<p>We are still concern about the high winds up high</p>
<p>You can check detailed weather forecast as well here in our sponsored page:<br />http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Aconcagua/6day/bot</p>
<p>They will be moving to Camp 1 today, weather permitting<br />Picture of Camp 1 attached from a previous expedition</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:32:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/second-rest-day-at-bc-a-good-investment/HAMMERED BY THE WIND UP HIGHhttp://patagonicas.com/hammered-by-the-wind-up-high/
<p>The group has been hammered by the wind up high</p>
<p>They are all doing great.</p>
<p>They have made it to high camp and descended to the Normal route side, they accomplish the traverse, this time, an amazing adeventure on its own!</p>
<p>They will be at Base Camp tonight and then hike out the Horcones Valley the next day.<br />It has been a brutally windy season so far this year...conditions should improve for the next groups<br />I am attaching an older pic of clear skies on Aconcagua, where you can see the clouds passing bye at 23,000 feet at high speed<br />this is what they encountered and it makes the mountain really cold and basically unclimbable....</p>
<p>A big Hurray for the group and congratulations for their monumental effort, tough weather trips without the summit, are physically much harder and demanding than trips with good weather</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:06:54 -0300http://patagonicas.com/hammered-by-the-wind-up-high/MOVING TO HIGH CAMP! http://patagonicas.com/moving-to-high-camp-2/
<p>The group may move today to HIGH CAMP!! they are at camp II, doing well and acclimatizing well and working hard</p>
<p>If they move today they will be in position to tackle the summit very soon<br />Let's wish them the best, it has been quite windy up there.</p>
<p>They will have fantastic views of the Andes from HIGH CAMP. The route is straight forward non-technical hiking to reach this camp, our main challenge is altitude. The load seems to get heavier and heavier at these elevations. If needed, we can take rest days or weather days. We have planned for this in our schedule, and extra food and fuel will be carried for this purpose.</p>
<p>The move to High Camp, Piedras Blancas (White Rocks) at 19,200' , is exiting, here will be more scree, patches of snow, and thinner air in their daily menu with incredible vistas of the Central Andes. They will be surrounded by 20,000 foot giants.</p>
<p>Here is a picture of Camp 2 where they are at the moment from a previous AP Expedition</p>
<p>Best Wishes</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:36:06 -0300http://patagonicas.com/moving-to-high-camp-2/RESTING AT BASE CAMP http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp-4/
<p>The group arrived in excellent conditions to base camp yesterday! They are taking a rest day today and will carry to Camp 1 tomorrow.</p>
<p>They will spend a minimum of 3 nights in Base Camp. We want everyone to have the best possible chance to acclimatize and make the Summit. The most effective way to do this is to take the time to acclimatize to the low oxygen environment. All precautions will be taken to ensure your safety. We will incorporate rest days into our schedule and climb in traditional expedition style. We will be carrying loads up to the next camp and returning to sleep below at the previous camp. Carry high and sleep low. The next day we will move to the higher camp.</p>
<p>The first day in Base Camp is always a rest day and a good occasion to take a bath and go for a short walk. They will divide expedition loads to carry to the next camp; community gear, fuel, food and individual lunches.</p>
<p>After their rest in Base Camp we will do a carry to Camp I, at approximately 16,300'. This is a challenging day where they will gain 2,500 feet with a heavy load, up some easy but sometimes tricky, loose terrain. We will emphasize breathing in rhythm with our pace using power breathing, rest step, and other techniques that will help save energy at these elevations. Breathers are an essential part of high altitude climbing allowing you to keep going for long periods of time.</p>
<p>We wish them the best in this great adventure they have a ahead... Here is a pic of a rest day at Base Camp from a previous AP Expedition</p>
<p>Best Wishes</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:34:13 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp-4/Our third group of the season departed yesterdayhttp://patagonicas.com/our-third-group-of-the-season-departed-yesterday/
<p>Our third group of the season departed yesterday for penitentes and is starting the hike to Base Camp today<br />Guides of the trip are Veteran Aconcagua Guides Carlos Liendo and Mariana Gallegos.<br />We wish them a great trip as well.</p>
<p>The next three days will be spent on the approach to Base Camp at 13,800' . Mules and their muleteers will carry all of their gear to Base Camp except for their day packs which they will carry daily with food, water and a change of warm clothes. They will have access to the mules and gear every night on the approach. This makes they hike in very enjoyable. the approach will involve about 50 kilometers / 35 miles of spectacular colorful high desert scenery. After a 4-5 hour hike today they will camp at Pampa de Lenas at 8,910' (meaning grassy area with firewood), unload the mules, set up camp, drink matte (a caffeinated tea served in a gourd and drunk with a metal straw) with the local gauchos, and get our permits checked at the rustic ranger station.</p>
<p>Early morning tomorrow they will start the day with a river crossing of the Vacas River (there is a bridge) then slowly gain altitude up the Vacas Valley heading north. The Valley opens up revealing a geography of high mountains, possible sightings of guanacos (cousin of the llama) and condors, and incredible geological features - a perfect setting for a western movie. At the end of our hike for the day, after a 5-6 hour walk, they will reach Casa de Piedra at 10,230' (meaning Stone House) and get the first views of the mountain since they began the approach. From this camp, Aconcagua - the Stone Sentinel, appears more magnificent and intimidating than ever, a giant of Himalayan proportions. You can see the entire East face with the majestic steep Polish Glacier. This is one of the nicest camps of the expedition with a breathtaking first view of Aconcagua and the excitement of getting closer to this colossal peak.</p>
<p>The third day is a favorite among many clients because of the spectacular view of Aconcagua and Ameghino peak the whole day. Aconcagua's Polish Glacier, contrasting with a desert backdrop make this approach both surreal and unforgettable.</p>
<p>By the end of the 3rd day after 6-7 hours of walking most of the team will feel the altitude as they arrive at Plaza Argentina, our 13,800' Base Camp.</p>
<p>Stay tuned</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:04:58 -0300http://patagonicas.com/our-third-group-of-the-season-departed-yesterday/Heading out http://patagonicas.com/heading-out/
<p>Johnny has decided to head back to the low lands of steak and malbec, Mendoza</p>
<p>The strong high winds can take a lot out of you<br />Johnny is now planing his next adventutre to Patagonia instead, that is the beauty of being on a private trip...so you can model it as you wish.<br />We are happy for him and he had still quite an adventure and a 120 kilometer hike in the Andes as well.<br />Here is a pic were we hope he spend the rest of the week....</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:30:56 -0300http://patagonicas.com/heading-out/Leaving the comfort of Base camp http://patagonicas.com/leaving-the-comfort-of-base-camp/
<p>The group has successfully carry a load to camp 1 and move to camp 1 already.</p>
<p>it is less windy now and they will try to carry to camp 2 today<br />They are doing very good and looking forward to move higher on the mountain<br />We are hoping for calm days for them, not only clear skies but less wind is what they need right now as well<br />Attached is a previous picture of a group moving to Camp 1</p>
<p>We will keep you posted</p>
<p>Best</p>
<p>The Aventuras Patagonicas's Team</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:11:59 -0300http://patagonicas.com/leaving-the-comfort-of-base-camp/Wind storm at Base Camp, 13,800'http://patagonicas.com/wind-storm-at-base-camp-13-80/
<p>The group arrived yesterday to BASE CAMP after a great 3 day hike up the Vacas And Relinchos Valleys.<br />They are taking a well deserved rest day at Base camp before carrying loads to C1 tomorrow.<br />it is very windy at Base Camp at the moment. It is a good things they are not any higher yet since a wind storm is passing by.<br />They have great food at BC, a Chef and cook as well, so life is quite good still.</p>
<p>Spirits are high and team is doing good<br />We will keep you posted<br />We are attaching a picture taking at BC from a previous trip</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:25:15 -0300http://patagonicas.com/wind-storm-at-base-camp-13-80/Johnny And Wes arrived yesterday to Base Camphttp://patagonicas.com/johnny-and-wes-arrived-yesterday-to-base-camp/
<p>Johnny And Wes arrived yesterday to Base Camp, at Plaza Argentina (13,900 ft), after a 3-day beautiful hike in. They are both doing great. They will take a rest day today and work on acclimatization for the project ahead, which is to move gear to Camp 1 tomorrow, and return to BC. We are attaching a picture of the approach To Base camp with Aconacagua's east face in the background.</p>
<p>We will be posting more news when we hear from them</p>
<p>Regards, Rodrigo</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:44:26 -0300http://patagonicas.com/johnny-and-wes-arrived-yesterday-to-base-camp/Group #2 is on its way! http://patagonicas.com/group-2-is-on-its-way/
<p>The second AP group departed yesterday , Dec 2nd with a strong team of 11 climbers and 3 guides, With Emiliano Poletti as lead Guide and Augusto Ortega (with the record of 60 Aconcagua summits!) and Fermin Avila, plus climbers; Piere Fortin, Leo Blore, William Franks, Allan Ryan, Sylvie LeBlanc, Priya Jhawar, Darshan Shah, Luke Watson, Charles Dion Harrison, Alex Stoyel and Caroline Selvon.</p>
<p>I had dinner with them in Mendoza the night before and it seems like a great, fun and strong group.<br />Today they departed from penitentes to Pampa de lenas, the first of our camps on route to Base camp, they will hike for 3 days until they reach our base camp at 13,800 feet the day after tomorrow</p>
<p>Saludos and stay tuned</p>
<p>Rodrigo Mujica</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:29:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/group-2-is-on-its-way/Aconcagua season starts strong! http://patagonicas.com/aconcagua-season-starts-strong/
<p>Today departed for penitentes our first trip of the season. A Private Trip with our dear friend Johnny Bergius from the UK and AP Chief Guide Wesley Bunch from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Johnny have attempted the mountain before and is exited to be back for another shot.</p>
<p>This marks the beginning of a new season of Aventuras Patagonicas' expeditions to the highest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas; for us it means a new season of building experiences together with climbers and guides from all over the World.</p>
<p>We are very excited to a great new Aconcagua season.</p>
<p>We will be posting dispatches every 3-4 days when guides call us by Sat phone with updates.</p>
<p>Best</p>
<p>Rodrigo Mujica</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 07:18:21 -0300http://patagonicas.com/aconcagua-season-starts-strong/A big success to close the season http://patagonicas.com/a-big-success-to-close-the-season/
<p>Nine climbers and 3 guides reached the summit of Mt Aconcagua yesterday!</p>
<p>A great team success that marks the end of an excellent season, with&nbsp;all 15 expeditions reaching the summit.</p>
<p>Guide Jacob led the team to the summit and back to camp in a bright&nbsp;day yesterday. They will go down to Plaza de Mulas today, to complete&nbsp;the Aconcagua traverse, and then hike out to Penitentes. They will be&nbsp;back in Mendoza by Monday.</p>
<p>Congratulations to the climbers and guides, and to all those in&nbsp;previous trips that worked hard to reach an standard of excellence&nbsp;that makes us proud: a100% success rate for the 2011-12 Aconcagua&nbsp;season!</p>
<p>West Wishes from Mendoza<br />Nicolas Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 26 Feb 2012 11:22:48 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-big-success-to-close-the-season/Big day tomorrowhttp://patagonicas.com/big-day-tomorrow/
<p>The team is going to the summit tomorrow. They are ready and anxious at High Camp (6,000). THey will get up early -the guides at least one hour before the rest, to melt many pots with snow for breakfast and for the day. THen they will leave the tents before the sun is up, a very cold hour or so before the sun warms them up. And we will have to wait until tomorrow to know how it went from there...<br />Stay tuned</p>Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:36:09 -0300http://patagonicas.com/big-day-tomorrow/Chopper Camp (18,000 ft) http://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-18-000-ft/
<p>The team is resting at Camp II, or Chopper Camp, after a carry of gear and food to High Camp. This means they have reached six thousand meters! They are going to move to High Camp and then go for the summit on Friday, probably. Everyone there is ok, said guide Jacob. There are 10 climbers, since two of them had to come down for lack of acclimatization to altitude. We are expecting good days for tomorrow and Friday. I will comfirm the date of summit tomorrow. Here is a picture of High Camp, a nice place to watch the sunset.</p>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:57:10 -0300http://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-18-000-ft/Back in Mendoza http://patagonicas.com/back-in-mendoza-3/
<p>I just wanted to let you know that the team is back in Mendoza. we are going to have the celebration dinner in about one hour. Everything is ok. Thank you for your patience and good wishes to all! <br />Regards</p>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:56:16 -0300http://patagonicas.com/back-in-mendoza-3/Summithttp://patagonicas.com/summit-16/
<p>The team summited yesterday!</p>
<p>They had a beautiful day and came back early to the tents to rest and celebrate. I do not have the names of the climbers who made it, but Mike said the group is ok and happy. They are completing the Mt. Aconcagua traverse now, and will sleep at Plaza de Mulas (Normal route Base Camp) tonight. They should be back in Mendoza by Wednesday. Congrtulations to them. This makes our 14th summit in 14 trips this season! We will send out more info when they get to base camp.</p>
<p>Regards.</p>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:45:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-16/Leaving Base Camp http://patagonicas.com/leaving-base-camp/
<p>Jacob and his crew just left base camp, headed for Camp I (16,000 ft). Jacob called before hitting the trail and said everything is fine up there. They rested and have already carried some gear to a cache in Camp I. They are going to begin the moving- resting-carrying- moving system now, to progress from BC to High Camp, from where they will go to the summit and then back to High Camp. But it&acute;s a long way to the top yet. I will send more dispatches now that they gaining altitude.</p>
<p>Stay tuned!</p>Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:49:26 -0300http://patagonicas.com/leaving-base-camp/Six thousanders http://patagonicas.com/six-thousanders/
<p>The group reached the 6,000 m zone (19,685 ft)! They did a carry of gear and food to High Camp yesterday. They are back at Camp II now, also called the Chopper Camp. They will move to High Camp, an eagle&acute;s nest at 6.000m, tomorrow. The view from there is unique, and the light of the sunsets can stick to your brain cortex for ages.<br /> <br />The team will go for the summit on Sunday, if all goes as planned. I just got a sat phone call from Mike Bradley, and h says the weather is fine there. The weather forecast shows sunny and calm days ahead. I will post a disptach tomorrow or on Saturday (when Mike calls), to confirm their itinerary. I attach a picture of High Camp, from a previous trip. Regards.</p>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 10:00:09 -0300http://patagonicas.com/six-thousanders/Last climb of the season http://patagonicas.com/last-climb-of-the-season/
<p>With 5 firemen from Texas, a sponsored athlete from New Zealand, a mountaineer who is seeking to hike from the Pcific Ocean to the top of Aconcagua, and five more climbers, Aventuras Patagonicas' last team of the season left town yesterday. T<br />hey have an oustanding team of guides: restless Jacob Schmitz, from Oregon, who's coming from a Mt Vinson expe and is heading for Mt Everest soon after the trip; Eliana Caama&ntilde;o, a local credit, strong and charming; Pablo Borjas, from Venezuela, well seasoned from his climbs in Per&uacute; and Bolivia, and Travis Williams, a young ski patrol from Colorado who is doing his first trips in the Andes.<br />Here is a picture of the group before leaving the hotel and jumping in the vans for the three hour ride to Penitentes, a lodge we use as last point before the climb.</p>
<p>They left the trailhead today, and will hike for three days to reach Plaza Argentina, the base camp at 14.000 ft. We will be updating the dispatches when they call us from their sat phone.</p>
<p>Stay tuned!</p>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:59:21 -0300http://patagonicas.com/last-climb-of-the-season/Pictures from the group http://patagonicas.com/pictures-from-the-group/
<p>Lead guide Mike Bradley found some time in his busy days to make this shots, and he managed to email us the pictures from base camp. amazing! We want to share these happy faces with the team&acute;s loved ones, back at home. The photographs are at the trailhead; during the hike-in, with the Polish Glacier as background; and in some place in the trail, before Plaza Argentina.</p>
<p><br /> As of news, they are still at BC, they did a carry yesterday to CI, and will move there tomorrow.<br />Cheers!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:35:38 -0300http://patagonicas.com/pictures-from-the-group/Absolutely everyone topped the hill http://patagonicas.com/absolutely-everyone-topped-the-hill/
<p>As we said in our first dispatch, this is a solid team; all seven climbers and two guides summited Mt. Aconcagua today, in a bright, clear day. Congratulations! The whole group stood at 22,834 ft, the highest point in the neiborhood (a high neiborhood, by the way) and they are back at camp now.</p>
<p>They will be going down to Plaza de Mulas tomorrow, to complete the Aconcagua traverse, in the best Aventuras Patagonicas tradition.<br />We are also proud to announce that this is our 13th summit of the season, out of 13 trips. This is a 100% success rate, when measured by groups and not by individuals.<br />&Iacute; will post yet one more dispatch, when the climbers reach the city. Stay tuned!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:31:38 -0300http://patagonicas.com/absolutely-everyone-topped-the-hill/Resting at base camp http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp-3/
<p>The whole group completed the first stage of the climb, the approach to the mountain. THey are resting at Plaza Argentina, the Relinchos Valley base camp, at 14,000 ft (see picture, from a previous trip). They will begin the "carrying - resting - moving up" game soon. This means that the group carries gear and food to a higher camp, then comes back to rest one day at lower altitude, then moves to the camp of the carry, and so on. I will be informing you about their progress. Regards!</p>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:54:05 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp-3/Ready to rockhttp://patagonicas.com/ready-to-rock/
<p>The team is going for the summit tomorrow. They are at High Camp (6.000m) now, ready to rock. Every member of the group is leaving the tent tomorrow, to go and summit like a team, Aike told me over the sat phone. May the Force be with them. I will give you the news when Aike calls me tomorrow. Stay tuned!</p>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:40:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/ready-to-rock/Camp II http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-4/
<p>The whole team is coping well with altitude. They are at Camp II, the Chopper Camp, at roughly 18,000 ft. The news are that when they were climbing to the camp yesterday, the guides Aike and Mariana found a climber in the trail (from another party), who was having some altitude-related issue and needed help, so they performed a rescue and called the Rescue Patrol. It turned out that the timely and highly professional procedures of our guides saved the climber&acute;s life! He was helicoptered out and taken to Mendoza, where he is perfectly ok now. The whole thing got to the local papers today. Well done Aike and Mariana!<br /> <br />The team will touch the 6,000 m frontier tomorrow, when they carry gear and food to High Camp. They are planning to go for the summit on Saturday or Sunday. We will let you know.</p>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:31:47 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-4/Back in Mendoza http://patagonicas.com/back-in-mendoza-2/
<p>The group is back in Mendoza, after completing the Mt Aconcagua traverse and of course reaching the summit. They will share a (yet another) celebration dinner tonight, in a fine steak restaurant, with maybe a glass or two of Malbec wine, and then head back home.</p>
<p>Thanks again to everyone!<br /></p>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:17:55 -0300http://patagonicas.com/back-in-mendoza-2/Approaching Mt Aconcagua http://patagonicas.com/approaching-mt-aconcagua/
<p>A new team of eight climbers and three guides entered Mt Aconcagua State Park today. We had a nice group meeting on Saturday here in Mendoza, then a big welcoming dinner, and they rode to Los Penitentes yesterday. This small location in the middle of the Central Andes, a ski resort in winter, is used a starting point by many Aconcagua expeditions. It&acute;s a good place to begin the acclimatization, to organize all the gear that will go to the mountain in the back of the mules -60kg each- and to have a last hot shower.</p>
<p>So they began hiking today, with light packs and a big mountain ahead. They will share a BBQ with the gauchos who take care of the mules tonight, and then arrive at base camp Plaza Argentina by Wednesday.</p>
<p>The climbers are Peter Metcalf, Nathan King, Russell Platts, Michael Caroll, Dave Watts, Ian Gibson, Chris Grieve and Kevin McMahon. The guides are Mike Bradley, Rolo Abaca and Nathan Rothe. I attach a picture of all of them posing at the Hyatt, just before they jumped in the van.</p>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:53:01 -0300http://patagonicas.com/approaching-mt-aconcagua/A strong team http://patagonicas.com/a-strong-team/
<p>"We&acute;ve done the carry to camp I, everyone is acclimatizing really well and it is a strong team". This is the email I got from Aike, sent from base camp along with this nice picture of the group at Camp I (16,000 ft).</p>
<p>The carrying or "porteo" system is the traditional way to acclimatize in big mountains, doing day trips to higher altitude, to carry part of the mountaineering gear and food, and coming back to sleep in a lower altitude. Tomorrow they will either move to Camp I or rest one more day at BC, depending of the conditions, desitions of the guide, etc.<br /></p>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:37:42 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-strong-team/Summit! http://patagonicas.com/summit-15/
<p>I have the excellent news that the team summited today. I did not speak with them directly yet, but our base camp broke the news. I wanted to let you know that at least two climbers and a guide made it. All the team is back at high camp now. Congratulations for this big achievement! As soon as I hear from Claudio, the lead guide, I will post the details. Patience!</p>
<p>This summit comfirms that it&acute;s been a great season for Aventuras Patagonicas so far, with 12 out of 12 trips reaching the summit, and just three more to go.&nbsp;</p>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:03:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-15/Camp II http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-3/
<p>The team is at Camp II, the Chopper Camp, at 18,000 ft. Everyone is fine, according to guide Claudio. We just spoke and he says the plan is to move to High Camp, at 19,600 ft, toomorrow, and then if all goes well go for the summit on Friday. The weather forecast is ok for Friday. so the team has a good challenge ahead! Good luck to them. I attach a picture of the high slopes of Mt Aconcagua (from a previous trip). Regards.<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:48:31 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-3/Camp I http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-4/
<p>The team completed the base camp acclimatization stage, and moved on to the altitude stage. They moved to Camp I, at 16,000 ft, yesterday. They had carried gear and food to CI before moving, so they are used to the altitude.<br />From now on they will be playing the game of resting, carrying to a higher camp and then moving to that camp. From Camp III, or High Camp, they will go to the summit and come back to sleep there. But that&acute;s way ahead, now they are focused in gaining altitude while keeping their energy. Claudio (the guide) says everyone is fine. I attach a picture of the group relaxing in front of our dining tent at BC. Cheers!</p>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:46:46 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-4/Hanging at base camp http://patagonicas.com/hanging-at-base-camp/
<p>The team reached base camp Plaza Argentina (14,000 ft) yesterday, after hiking three days up the Vacas and Relinchos rivers. They shared an asado (BBQ) with the gauchos who drive the loading mules, and they got to see some of the best views of the East Face of Mt Aconcagua, with the imposing Polish Glacier (picture).</p>
<p>Everyone is strong and happy, according to guide Aike, who was kind enough to send me these nice pictures of the group at BC and and walking by the East Face.</p>
<p>They rested today, enjoying the company and the good cooking of Celina and Chemelo ("Chemellow"), our base camp managers. They will carry gear and food to Camp I tomorrow. I will keep you informed of their progress. Stay tuned!</p>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:37:38 -0300http://patagonicas.com/hanging-at-base-camp/On the trail http://patagonicas.com/on-the-trail-3/
<p>A new good, solid-looking group set foot on the trail today. There are seven climbers and two guides in this team, our 13th expedition of the season. We shared a nice dinner in Mendoza (Argentina), the team got to know each other and their guides -Aike Parvex and Mariana Gallego- and they bought their Aconcagua permits. Yesterday the group spent the night at Los Penitentes, a small ski resort that is used as a starting point by many Aconcagua expeditions.</p>
<p>Now they have a 3-day hike in ahead to get to Plaza Argentina, the Relincho&acute;s Valley base camp at 14,000 ft. I will be posting an update when they arrive there. Here are pictures of the group in Mendoza and in Los Penitentes. The climbers are Sheila, Todd, Wade, Jeff, Phillip, Bruce and John.</p>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:59:49 -0300http://patagonicas.com/on-the-trail-3/Resting at Plaza Argentina http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-plaza-argentina-3/
<p>The whole team completed the approach with no incidentes and arrived to Plaza Argentina (14,000 ft) yesterday. They enjoyed a barbecue during the hike in, and passed some nice viewpoints (picture). They are now enjoying the gourmet food of Chemelo (AKA Chemellow) and Celina at base camp. I will post a dispatch when they call. Regards.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:45:18 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-plaza-argentina-3/Summit! http://patagonicas.com/summit-14/
<p>It was worth to wait, as the team did summited Mt Aconcagua yesterday! Five climbers in this group stood at the top, at 22,834 ft of altitude. With them, our lead guide Augusto Ortega achieved a really amazing record: his 60th summit in this big mountain! No man has climbed it so many times. Also, this is our tenth summit of the season, out of 10 trips. A record that makes us proud.<br />But beyond numbers, what it counts is the experience of knowing awesome places and some inner places too; leaving the city and the things we take for granted behind. So congratulations to climbers and guides.</p>
<p>The team is completing the Mt Aconcagua traverse today, by descending to Plaza de Mulas. They will reach Mendoza on Friday. <br />Regards!</p>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:39:19 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-14/Summit! http://patagonicas.com/summit-13/
<p>The team made the summit yesterday! Lead guide Mike Bradley called from High Camp when they came back. They had a great summit day, left early and came back early too, and most of the climbers made it -5 out of 6-. They stood amazed at 22,834 ft, looking to the rest of the Andes below. Probably a lifetime experience for everyone. The climbers in this team crossed half the World to get here, from the Faroe Island and from the UK. Congratulations to them!</p>
<p>Now the group will complete the Aconcagua traverse, by descending to base camp Plaza de Mulas today. They will be back at the trailhead tomorrow and at Mendoza by Saturday. This makes our eleventh summit of the season, or in other words, a 100% success rate (11 out of 11), if we measure by groups and not by individuals. I attach a good picture of the summit risge, taken by Mike in previous trip.</p>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:51:35 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-13/In the trail http://patagonicas.com/in-the-trail-2/
<p>A strong-looking group of four climbers and two guides left the lodge at Los Penitentes today, after spending a couple of days in the city of Mendoza (Argentina). Here they got their pemits, as usual, and got a taste of our wines and meat, besides of course meeting each other and their guides Claudio and Andrea. They began hiking today, with light packs since the loads travel to base in the back of some mules (we treat this hard working animals with care!). The climbers are Neil Halsey, Mark Hassenkamp, David "Chimu" McGrain and Donald Martin (who just climbed El Plomo Mt in Chile, with AP Director Rodrigo Mujica). Here they are in a picture, before leaving the hotel.</p>
<p>It wil take them three days to get to base camp Plaza Argentina (14,000ft). I will post a dispatch when they get there. Until then!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:12:01 -0300http://patagonicas.com/in-the-trail-2/Back to the city http://patagonicas.com/back-to-the-city-2/
<p>The team came back to Mendoza, all of them tired and happy, and shared (two or three) celebration dinners, and even a breakfast at the Hyatt with their guides JJ, Eliana and Rolo. It is time to go home now; we hope this trip remains a unique experience in their memories. THank you all for the patience, and keep climbing.<br />Cheers,<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:37:58 -0300http://patagonicas.com/back-to-the-city-2/Moving to High Camp http://patagonicas.com/moving-to-high-camp/
<p>After a good acclimatization period, the team is finally bound for the high regions of Aconcagua. They did a carry of gear to High Camp -6000m.- and will move up to that camp tomorrow. The air is thin there, but the long days spent working in the mountain have prepared the climbers for the effort. Thy might spend a rest day at High Camp or go for the summit, depending on the conditions, the group, and other things. I will keep you informed. I attach a picture of the upper slopes of Mt Aconcagua, from a previous trip. Regards.</p>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:36:03 -0300http://patagonicas.com/moving-to-high-camp/At 6000m - 19,685 ft http://patagonicas.com/at-6000m-19-685-ft/
<p>Augusto, Anal&iacute;a, Travis and the team are at Camp II (18,000 ft), ready to move to High Camp, at 6,000m. They already know the feeling of walking at that altitude, since they did a carry of gear to High Camp today. They might move up tomorrow or the next day, and they might go for the summit on the 24th or 25th. It will depend on the conditions, the plan of the group, etc. But everyone is well, they shared time with the climbers and guides of the AP#11 expedition. I attach a picture of high camp, a unique place with some breathtaking views. I will post a dispatch when I have news. Regards.</p>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:33:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/at-6000m-19-685-ft/Summit! http://patagonicas.com/summit-12/
<p>Five climbers and two guides made it to the top of the Hemisphere, the summit of Mt Aconcagua, yesterday. JJ called from high camp to say that they were back to the tents after a beautiful summit day, all of them tired but very happy and with an experience they will surely treasure for the rest of their lifes. The team left camp before sunrise, in a bitter cold, but everyone endured that though 2 hours, until the sun warmed them up and revealed some awesome mountain-scapes in all directions. Then they kept going until there`s was no higher place to go: the 22,838 ft summit, the highest point in the World outside Asia, and the second in altitude of the Seven Summits, after Mt Everest. Congratulations!</p>
<p>Now they are completing the Aconcagua traverse. They will descend to Plaza de Mulas today, hike out to Los Penitentes tomorrow and finally come back to Mendoza on Saturday. I will let you know how everything goes. Cheers!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:13:13 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-12/Mission Top of (3/4 of) the World: Completed! http://patagonicas.com/mission-top-of-3-4-of-the-world-completed/
<p>Our team successfully completed all the goals of their mission: all of them summited Aconcagua and all of them completed the Aconcagua traverse. They stood at the very top of this side of the world yesterday, and came down safely to base camp Plaza de Mulas today.<br />The summit of Mt Aconcagua, second in altitude of the Seven Summits and the highest place you can find outside the Himalayas, it&acute;s an awesome strip of rock and snow at 22,834 ft. The Fabulous 8 -six climbers, 2 guides- managed to send us a picture of their achievement. Congratulations to this team!</p>
<p>This summit keeps our 100% success this season -measuring by trips that made the summit-, an amazing figure of nine out of nine trips getting to the top.</p>
<p>The group will hike out tomorrow, spend the night at Los Penitentes and come to Mendoza on Monday, to celebrate and have new missions assigned. Cheers!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:29:58 -0300http://patagonicas.com/mission-top-of-3-4-of-the-world-completed/Camp I is ours - Episode 3http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-is-ours-episode/
<p>The team moved their headquarters to Camp I, at 16,000 ft. Their superpowers remain strong in the altitude. This is all I can reveal today. More news when information is declassified. No pictures this time, so I am posting one from a previous mission. Over.<br />Agent Andean Condor<br />Mendoza <br /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:02 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-is-ours-episode/Resting at Camp Ihttp://patagonicas.com/resting-at-camp-i-2/
<p>The team, with all its climbers and guides, was resting at Camp I (16,000 ft), yesterday. Augusto called the office last night, after an early dinner, and said everything was great in the expedition. They raised their glasses for Jeanie Schaden&acute;s sister, who was having a birthday party more than 12.000 km away, back in the US. They will do a carry of gear or move to Camp II today. They plan to go to the summit, if everything goes according to plans, on the 23rd or 24th. I will keep you updated. Regards!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:52:06 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-camp-i-2/Getting close to the top... http://patagonicas.com/getting-close-to-the-top/
<p>JJ and his team are ready to go for the big day. Weather permitting, they will attempt the summit on Wednesday. They are at camp II, at 18.000 ft, now, and will move to High Camp (19,700ft) tomorrow (tuesday). Motivation is high and weather forecast is fine.</p>
<p>"We are having a great time", said a happy JJ over the sat phone. I am attaching a nice picture of High camp, taken by a previous group. I will let you know how your loved ones are doing when they call me again. Until then, regards!</p>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:42:33 -0300http://patagonicas.com/getting-close-to-the-top/First carry to Camp Ihttp://patagonicas.com/first-carry-to-camp-i-2/
<p>The team completed their acclimatization in base camp (14,000 ft), and did their first carry of gear and food to Camp I (16,000 ft) today. "Everyone is doing great", said Mike Bradley, the leading guide. They had some good meals at Plaza Argentina, and rested there before facing the altitude stage of the expedition. Weather has been rainy but not too bad. The weather forecast shows good days ahead. I attach a picture of the view they had from the trail. Regards!</p>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:39:20 -0300http://patagonicas.com/first-carry-to-camp-i-2/Base Camphttp://patagonicas.com/base-camp-5/
<p>The group reached Plaza Argentina (14,000ft), the Relinchos Valley base camp. They rested and completed a carry to Camp 1, at 16,000 ft. During the hike in they enjoyed a superb view of the Polish Glacier, in the East Face of Mt Aconcagua (picture). This large tongue of snow and ice owes its name to the Polish team that first climbed this side of the mountain, in 1934.<br />All the climbers in Augusto&acute;s group are doing ok. I will post a dispatch when they move to Camp I. Cheers.<br /></p>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:37:23 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-5/Mission BC completed http://patagonicas.com/mission-bc-completed/
<p>After liberating Plaza Argentina from an alien zombie invasion, our heros took a well deserved day off, and performed their famous Haka-style ritual (picture). Unfortunately I am not allowed to reveal how was this photo sent to our Mendoza base (they have strict security policies). The whole team is doing great, in this chapter they ate a monster asado (BBQ) and protected our base camp stuff, Super Chemelo and beautiful Celina.</p>
<p>Captain Martin Molina told me that all the heros are in good shape and highly motivated to initiate the next mission, the altitude game, in a couple of days. I will release more information when allowed to do so. Over.<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:16:15 -0300http://patagonicas.com/mission-bc-completed/Resting at Camp Ihttp://patagonicas.com/resting-at-camp-i/
<p>Jeff and the team are having a rest day at CI, after a successful carry to Camp II (18.000 ft). Everyone is feeling great. They will do a carry to 6.000m tomorrow!</p>
<p>A new frontier for many of them. I will update when I have news. Cheers</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:50:46 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-camp-i/Towards Plaza Argentina http://patagonicas.com/towards-plaza-argentina/
<p>After a successful acclimatization to Mendoza's steaks and Malbec wine, our eleventh expedition of the season left the Los Penitentes lodge today and hit the trail. They walk light, as our mules carry the group supplies. It will take them 3 days to get to base camp (Plaza Argentina, 14,000ft). They will enjoy some awesome views and share an asado (BBQ) with the gauchos (muleteers).</p>
<p>Mike Bradley, from colorado (US) is the leading guide in this 6 climbers group. They will be calling to Mendoza from a sat phone, so I will post more news as they come.</p>
<p>Regards!</p>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:16:22 -0300http://patagonicas.com/towards-plaza-argentina/Go Augusto! http://patagonicas.com/go-augusto/
<p>There&acute;s no thing as a "routinary Aconcagua expedition", but this trip stands out for a particularity that makes us proud: our lead guide Augusto Ortega (from Huaraz, Per&uacute;) is going for the 60th Aconcagua summit of his career as a High Mountain Guide. This is a World record! Whether Augusto summits or not, he sets an example to all mountaineers, more for his qualities as person than by his resume as mountaineer. He has a great group, by the way: Anal&iacute;a Lettos (C&oacute;rdoba, Argentina), and Travis Williams (Colorado, US) are co-guiding. The eight climbers are Shelley and Chet Ridenour, Jeanie and Jim Schaden, Chase Spencer, Tracy Ard, Mike Petterson and Scott Fletcher.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They left Mendoza, Argentina, today, headed for the mountains. They will spend one night at Los Penitentes, in a lodge, and begin the 3 day hike in tomorrow. I attach a picture of the group and one of Augusto at the meeting, today. I will be sending out dispatches when they call me. Regards!</p>
<p>Nicolas</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:52:26 -0300http://patagonicas.com/go-augusto/First carry to Camp Ihttp://patagonicas.com/first-carry-to-camp-i/
<p>The team rested at base camp Plaza Argentina (13,900 ft) and completed a carry to Camp I (16,000 ft). Now they are back to the comfort of the dining tents and the gourmet cooking of Chemelo and Celina, our base camp staff. I attach a picture of the camp, taken earlier this season. JJ .the guide- plans to move to Camp I tomorrow, to carry gear and food to Camp II (18,000 ft) the next day. I will keep you informed. Regards.</p>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:50:20 -0300http://patagonicas.com/first-carry-to-camp-i/Seventh Summit! http://patagonicas.com/seventh-summit-2/
<p>Both AP 6 and AP 7 teams summited Mt Aconcagua today, in very a very windy afternoon. This means that this season Aventuras Patagonicas is having an awesome record: 7 teams to the top, out the 7 expeditions so far. 100% success!</p>
<p>Both groups progressed together in the mt, forming one single big team. Six climbers made it to the top, with guides claudio Beiza and Emiliano Poletti. Congratulations to all of them! They are tired but happy, having a well deserved rest at High Camp, after more than 10 hours out in the wind. But they made the 22,838 ft summit!</p>
<p>The whole group will complete the Aconcagua traverse tomorrow. I will give you more details tomorrow. I attach a nice picture of the summit, from a previous trip. Regards,</p>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:39:25 -0300http://patagonicas.com/seventh-summit-2/Seventh Summit! http://patagonicas.com/seventh-summit/
<p>Both AP 6 and AP 7 teams summited Mt Aconcagua today, in very a very windy afternoon. This means that this season Aventuras Patagonicas is having an awesome record: 7 teams to the top, out the 7 expeditions so far. 100% success!</p>
<p>Both groups progressed together in the mt, forming one single big team. Six climbers made it to the top, with guides claudio Beiza and Emiliano Poletti. Congratulations to all of them! They are tired but happy, having a well deserved rest at High Camp, after more than 10 hours out in the wind. But they made the 22,838 ft summit!</p>
<p>The whole group will complete the Aconcagua traverse tomorrow. I will give you more details tomorrow. I attach a nice picture of the summit, from a previous trip. Regards,<br />Nicol&aacute;s</p>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:38:06 -0300http://patagonicas.com/seventh-summit/Super heros take Aconcagua http://patagonicas.com/super-heros-take-aconcagua/
<p>Flexi-Girl and Wrestling Balaclava are some of the characters in this chapter (see picture!). They set off on their mission, to climb and traverse the highest mountain this side of the World, today. It is going to be a great trip, judging by the chemistry in the group. The 6 climbers are: Peter Krzanowsky Brian Schultz, Paul Greene, Paul Greene, Colin Levey, Lee-Anne Slater and Angel Taboada. Mart&iacute;n Molina and Javier Carvallo Contreras (UIAGM guide, Everest last year) are the guides.</p>
<p>I cannot diclose more information until the next episode.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:54:18 -0300http://patagonicas.com/super-heros-take-aconcagua/Base camp bound http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-bound/
<p>After walking with light backpacks, in beautiful scenery, for three days, our 8th trip of the season should arrive to Plaza Argentina today. The Relinchos Valley base camp, at 14,000ft, is key in our operation. It is where the climbers begin to acclimatize to altitude, the dry environment and the life in tents. The Mendoza city stage went smoothly for this group, with all the flights, hotels and permit steps perfectly coordinated. It is a 10 climbers team, lead by guides JJ Justman (US), Rolo Abaca (Mendoza, Argentina) and Eliana Caama&ntilde;o (Rosario, Argentina).</p>
<p>The climbers are: Karl Klessig, Tanya Robinson, Jessica Winters, Heidi Scott, Melissa OReilly, Mike Burcombe, Derek Haines, Adrian Gus Pope, Zbigniew Ziwi Waskiewicz and Rob Hudock. I attach a picture of the group, happily posing at the Hyatt. Cheers from Mendoza!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:37:31 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-bound/Waiting the weatherhttp://patagonicas.com/waiting-the-weather-2/
<p>As the climbers in our 6th and 7th trip of the season now know by experience, if there wasn&acute;t some days of bad weather in every expedition, it would be Florida, not Aconcagua! Snow kept falling today in the higher camps, and it&acute;s raining below 3.000m.</p>
<p>According to the weather forecast, the sun should shine tomorrow. Both teams are playing the "<strong>patience beats arrogance</strong>" game, respecting the times of the mountain and gathering mental and physical strength to dash up as soon as the conditions improve.</p>
<p>They completed the carries to Camp II, and should be moving to the 6.000m zone between tomorrow and the next day.</p>
<p>I will let you know. I attach a picture of a stormy base camp. Cheers!</p>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:02:25 -0300http://patagonicas.com/waiting-the-weather-2/Waiting the weatherhttp://patagonicas.com/waiting-the-weather/
<p>As the climbers in our 6th and 7th trip of the season now know by experience, if there wasn&acute;t some days of bad weather in every expedition, it would be Florida, not Aconcagua! Snow kept falling today in the higher camps, and it&acute;s raining below 3.000m.</p>
<p>According to the weather forecast, the sun should shine tomorrow. Both teams are playing the "<strong>patience beats arrogance</strong>" game, respecting the times of the mountain and gathering mental and physical strength to dash up as soon as the conditions improve.</p>
<p>They completed the carries to Camp II, and should be moving to the 6.000m zone between tomorrow and the next day.</p>
<p>I will let you know. I attach a picture of a stormy base camp. Cheers!</p>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:59:47 -0300http://patagonicas.com/waiting-the-weather/Towards Camp IIhttp://patagonicas.com/towards-camp-ii-2/
<p>The climbers and guides had to cope with some poor weather these last days, but a spell of clear days appears now in the weather forecast. Everyone in Claudio&acute;s group has got to Camp II, at 17,500 ft. They are all good, eating and resting to get ready for the summit push. I apologize to relatives and friends of the climbers for not posting dispatches before, I know you worry.</p>
<p>But these have been extremely busy days for us here in Mendoza and for the guides up in the mountain, and with the poor weather it was a bit didfficult to talk with them. But everyone is doing great! Here is a picture of the group doing a carry of gear and food to Camp I. Cheers!</p>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:21:49 -0300http://patagonicas.com/towards-camp-ii-2/Good weather aheadhttp://patagonicas.com/good-weather-ahead/
<p>After some snowy days, which complicated communications, we finally see a long window of clear days, without strong winds. So the team will be able to take advantage of that and move up to Camp II, the Chopper camp, at 17,500 ft. I apologize to relatives and friends of the climbers for not posting dispatches before, I know you worry.</p>
<p>But these have been extremely busy days for us here in Mendoza and for the guides up in the mountain, and with the poor weather it was a bit didfficult to talk with them.</p>
<p>But everyone is strong and focused up there. Eager to have some sunny days to walk to thw summit! I will provide more details tomorrow. Regards and thanks for your patience.</p>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:16:12 -0300http://patagonicas.com/good-weather-ahead/New Year´s Summit http://patagonicas.com/new-year-s-summit/
<p>Guide Mike Bradley and three climbers went all the way to the summit of Mt Aconcagua, at 22,834 ft. This makes a record of 5 out of 5 teams summiting this season! 100% success rate so far, so I am sure you will tolerate some marketing here. Back to Mike&acute;s group, they are all going down the hill today, and will be having a proper celebration dinner tomorrow in Mendoza (it&acute;s 40 degrees C here).</p>
<p>They spent New Year&acute;s Eve at 6.000m, at high camp: not many people can have such an experience to tell (on the other hand, It must have been an austere celebration, since I don&acute;t think anybody will risk a hang over at that altitude). I attach a pic of the place, froma previous trip. I will post another dispatch when they get to Mendoza. Regards!</p>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:24:51 -0300http://patagonicas.com/new-year-s-summit/First Summit of the year http://patagonicas.com/first-summit-of-the-year/
<p>Our 4th expedition of the year stood at the top of the Hemisphere yesterday! They stood at 22.834 ft, in the summit of Mt Aconcagua, with the Andes and the Americas below them. Unless you take a ladder, there&acute;s no way to get higher than that in this half of the World, since only in the Himalayas there are higher mountains. Quite a way to begin a year, in my opinion.</p>
<p>I haven&acute;t heard from the guides, but our base camp stuff confirmed that they are all safe and strong, to the point of trying again: in fact two climbers, who did not go to the summit in the first try, have stayed at High Camp and are going for the top today, with a guide. (Tough people). If they remember that I need to post dispatches and call me, I will let you know.</p>
<p>By the way: to Gina&acute;s mother, she asked me to say "Hi Mom". So hi Gina&acute;s Mom. There goes a picture from a previous trip.</p>
<p>Thanks and Happy New Year.</p>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:18:45 -0300http://patagonicas.com/first-summit-of-the-year/End of a trip beginning of a friendshiphttp://patagonicas.com/end-of-a-trip-beginning-of-a-friendship/
<p>The whole team completed their task. They went there, climbed the mountain, went up one way and down the other, came down to the tree-lined city of Mendoza (to 39,7 degrees Celcius), had a big New Year&acute;s Eve dinner; but more important, they became a team. I saw them this morning, moving together and sharing addresses and all that.</p>
<p>My respect to Augusto and Rolo, for their leadership, and to Suzette, Ruth, Paul, Kaushil and Jigar (they get along so well you don&acute;t believe they are brothers) and Ted, for their attitude and strenght.</p>
<p>Thanks to you for reading these dispatches and Happy 2012 (I hope the Maya predictions were wrong and that we have many more climbing seasons..)</p>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:24:50 -0300http://patagonicas.com/end-of-a-trip-beginning-of-a-friendship/Last group of 2011http://patagonicas.com/last-group-of-201/
<p>Eleven climbers and their guides - Emiliano Poletti, Aike Parvex and Nathan Rothe- began hiking today, with the goal of standing atop the highest mountain in the neigborhood: 22,834 ft of stone, ice and sheer power. But first they have to get to base camp, Plaza Argentina, a nice place at 14.0000 ft where our people will spoil them a bit in New Year&acute;s eve. I will be sending out dispatches of their progress in the mountain, each time I receive news from them.</p>
<p>I attach a couple of pics of the group before they left Mendoza (Argentina). Cheers!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="image left"><img class="left" src="http://patagonicas.com/assets/Uploads/_resampled/ResizedImage600450-AP-7-mili-meeting.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="" title="" /></div>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:52:14 -0300http://patagonicas.com/last-group-of-201/A new team and the importance of a positive attitudehttp://patagonicas.com/a-new-team-and-the-importance-of-a-positive-attitude/
<p>Our number 6th Aconcagua trip of the season began with the left food and rapidly recovered and grew stronger. This happened because the airlines lost two duffel bags, full with expensive climbing gear. The owners, Louis Phillippe and Scott, and the other 8 climbers luckily had the best attitude and worked together. We devised a "course of action", the last option of which was renting everything.</p>
<p>When everything else failed and we were at the mountain shop -Louis Phillippe (Luis Felipe by then) was actually trying a down jacket- a call from the airport saved the day. So the two climbers joined their peers and guides (Claudio Beiza, Mariana Gallego, and "Chino" Ver&oacute;n), and happily left the city. They are now in the trail, completing the 3-day hike in to base camp Plaza Argentina (14,000 ft). I attach a picture of the group and one of the happy owners of the recovered bags.</p>
<p>I will be sending dispatches as I get sat phone calls from the slopes of Mt Aconcagua.</p>
<div class="image left"><img class="left" src="http://patagonicas.com/assets/Uploads/_resampled/ResizedImage600450-scot-y-luis-felipe.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="" title="" /></div>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:38:39 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-team-and-the-importance-of-a-positive-attitude/Camp II - 16,000ft http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-16-000ft/
<p>The team is at Camp II, the Chopper Camp, at 16,000 ft, ready to move to High Camp (the 6.000m frontier), an important step in the expedition. The long days spent at altitude (Christmas at base camp included) gave their bodies a good acclimatization, so they are ready for the big day. I attach a picture of the group just before leaving Plaza Argentina, our base camp. I will give you a detailed account of their progress in the high regions when I hear from them. Cheers!<br />Nicol&aacute;s</p>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:38:34 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-16-000ft/Summit and traverse! http://patagonicas.com/summit-and-traverse/
<p>Augusto and four climbers of his team made the summit of Mt Aconcagua yesterday! With an altitude of 22,834 ft, this is the highest point in the Andes range, part of the Seven Summits and the highest mountain in the World outside the Himalayas.</p>
<p>All the group -six climbers- reached high camp (6.000m) and is completing the Aconcagua traverse. Big achievement, and another success in a great season so far (three expeditions to the top). They are all happy and giong down to Plaza De Mulas, from where they will hike to the trailhead, just on time to celebrate New Year&acute;s Eve in Mendoza.</p>
<p>Thanks to Augusto and Rolo for leading this trip, and to the climbers for their team spirit. Cheers!<br /></p>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:54:34 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-and-traverse/A wave of heat in the High Andes?http://patagonicas.com/a-wave-of-heat-in-the-high-andes/
<p>...Or just a Christmas Eve hang over + thin air... One way or the oher, these climbers in the picture seem to have decided to come back to Mother Nature, or Pachamama. And yes, they are climbers from the team. A free trip if you guess who they are... (just joking). Ok besides this awesome photographic document, the team is doing great, they are at Camp II (some 18,000 ft), strong and getting ready to go for the summit. Weather is ok and so is the general spirit. Cheers!<br />Nicol&aacute;s</p>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:52:52 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-wave-of-heat-in-the-high-andes/Tomorrow is the big day http://patagonicas.com/tomorrow-is-the-big-day/
<p>I just got a call from a happy Augusto. The team has a stronghold at High Camp, an awesome place at 6.000m of altitude (19,680 ft), and they are going for the roof of the Americas tomorrow. Everyone in this group is going to leave camp and do her or his best to get to the 22,834 ft summit, which is already an achievement. I attach a picture of High Camp, from a previous trip, and will send a dispatch tomorrow as soon as I have news. The weather forecast says perfect summit weather.<br />Good luck to them!<br />Nicol&aacute;s</p>Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:44:14 -0300http://patagonicas.com/tomorrow-is-the-big-day/Merry Christmas from your loved oneshttp://patagonicas.com/merry-christmas-from-your-loved-ones/
<p>I have received an email from the guide Martin, from base camp, with a message to the relatives, friends, loved ones, etc, of the climbers in AP#4 expedition: they say they are all well, highly motivated and happy, and they wish you all a Merry Chistmas. They had the nice gesture of sending a photograph, which I am happy to share with you, of the team relaxing at the dinning tent. <br />I also wish you a good time, whether you celebrate the holiday or not, on behalf of the Aventuras Patagonicas family.<br />Nicol&aacute;s <strong>"Santa in shorts and sandals"</strong> Garcia</p>Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:45:39 -0300http://patagonicas.com/merry-christmas-from-your-loved-ones/Base camphttp://patagonicas.com/base-camp-4/
<p>Mike and company arrived to Plaza Argentina yesterday, after a smooth hike in. The team is busy eating and resting, getting ready for a carry of gear to Camp I tomorrow, and for the Christmas dinner to be held tomorrow (the 24th) at base camp. Celina and Diego will be the hosts and the two expeditions which are climbing at the same time will share a steak dinner. Weather is ok and the mountain has been friendly so far. I attach a picture of the view of the East Face they had from the trail. Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s</p>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:42:47 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-4/Move to Camp 1http://patagonicas.com/move-to-camp/
<p>The team has reached camp 1, at 16,000ft, successfully. All of them are ok, and the weather forecast shows sunny days ahead. They will do a carry to Camp II tomorrow. I will pass the news when I hear from them again. Until then!<br />REgards, Nicol&aacute;s</p>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:39:27 -0300http://patagonicas.com/move-to-camp/Resting at Plaza Argentinahttp://patagonicas.com/resting-at-plaza-argentina-2/
<p>Everyone in the group is doing great. They completed the approach yesterday and are having a rest day in our base camp (picture), after sharing an "asado" -BBQ- wirh the gauchos and seeing the big Polish Glacier from the trail (picture). They will do a carroy of gear tomorrow, and will go back to base camp for a big Christmas party in the mountain. I will keep you posted!<br />Nicol&aacute;s</p>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:37:16 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-plaza-argentina-2/End of the triphttp://patagonicas.com/end-of-the-trip-2/
<p>Hi, this dispatch is justo to tell you what most of you already know: your loved ones are back in Mendoza, they had a terrific trip -and a terrific celebration dinner last night-, and everyone is heading home for Christmas.</p>
<p>Congratulations to them, thanks to you, and have a good time, whether if you celebrate Christmas or not!<br /></p>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:47:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/end-of-the-trip-2/End of the trip http://patagonicas.com/end-of-the-trip/
<p>Hi, this dispatch is justo to tell you what most of you already know: your loved ones are back in Mendoza, they had a terrific trip -and a terrific celebration dinner last night-, and everyone is heading home for Christmas. Congratulations to them, thanks to you, and have a good time, whether if you celebrate Christmas or not!</p>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:45:29 -0300http://patagonicas.com/end-of-the-trip/Resting at base camp http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp-2/
<p>Hello to everyone. The team reached Plaza Argentina, the Vacas Valley route base camp, yesterday. Everyone was fine and hungry. They are having a rest day today. During the 3-day approach the saw the imposing East Face (picture), and got to spent time and share an asado (BBQ) with the gauchos who drive the pack mules. Plaza Argentina is a nice spot, up the Relinchos river, at almost 14,000 ft. We have our dining tents there (picture), and Diego and Celina take care of everything. From there the group wil begin the carry-move-rest system to gain altitude. This means that they do a carry of gear and food to the next camp, come back to sleep at a lower altitude, then they actually move to the higher camp, where they spend a rest day to do the proper acclimatization process, then carry to the next camp, move and so on (until there&acute;s no higher place to go, in other terms the summit). When the guide Augusto calls me I will tell you their plans for the Christmas Eve. Until then!</p>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:43:51 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp-2/A new Aconcagua experience http://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-experience/
<p>Lead by Mike Bradley (Colorado, US) a team of six climbers and assistant guide Jono (Patagonian by choice) left the trailhead today, with two weeks of adventure, hard work and fun ahead. We shared a dinner (picture) in the beautiful city of Mendoza, Argentina, and got to know each other in the team meeting, held in the patio of the Park Hyatt hotel. THen the team left the city and rode a van towards the Andes, in a 3 hour scenic ride. THey spent a night in the lodge at Penitentes (2700m), and started hiking this morning, up the Vacas valley. They walk light, as their gear and food is carried by pack mules. In two more days they will arrive to Plaza Argentina, the base camp at 14,000 ft.</p>
<p>The climbers are: Jorge Alvarado, Corbil Olsen, Brett Mitchell, Greg Buri, Howie Wood and Guilhem Depelley (picture).</p>
<p>More news as they come from the sat phone!</p>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:32:38 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-experience/Twelve climbers and a mountain http://patagonicas.com/twelve-climbers-and-a-mountain/
<p>A new Aventuras Patagonicas expedition left Mendoza (Argentina) yesterday. Nine climbers and three guides joined forces to do their best in the big challenge of climbing the highest mountain in the World outside of the Himalayas range. At 22,834 ft, Mt Aconcagua stands tall in the Central Andes, one head above the lesser peaks that surround it. But the climbers still have to "earn" that awesome view, as they have two weeks in the hill before that...</p>
<p>The team is lead by Martin Molina, from Mendoza, an experienced mountain guide and a fine rock climber. He has done altitude expeditions in the Andes and the Himalayas, and has climbed big walls around the globe and surroundings. With him are Aili Farquhar and Elyzabeth Horan, two strong American guides. The climbers are: Gina King, Scott Prueter, Doug Weaver, Chris Haug, Mary Elan, ever-smiling Mike Ryan, Debbie Kalscheur, Warren King and Joshua McCright.</p>
<p>They left Los Penitentes (2700m) today, where they spent last night. Before that we had a nice dinner in Mendoza (the obvious bottles of Malbec red wine were served), and a team meeting (picture, Martin on the rifght corner). They have a 3-day approach ahead, to get to the base camp PLaza Argentina (almost 14.000ft). I will be posting "chronicles" as my sources pass the information from the field... Until then!</p>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:28:37 -0300http://patagonicas.com/twelve-climbers-and-a-mountain/SUMMIT! http://patagonicas.com/summit-11/
<p>Eight climbers stood at 22,834 ft today, looking down to an ocean of lesser peaks in the Andes! They did a great job and climbed all the way to the highest point in the World outside of Asia. The eight climbers and their guides, from AP 1 and AP2 expeditions, were back at high camp happy and tired when I got a phone call from the guide Emiliano. So congratulations to them, all of them will have a very special end of the year. They will complete the Aconcagua traverse tomorrow, by going down by a diferent route to the base camp of the normal route, Plaza de Mulas.</p>
<p>I will post more news tomorrow! THere goes a pic of the summit, from a previous trip.</p>Sat, 17 Dec 2011 03:19:18 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-11/SUMMIT!http://patagonicas.com/summit-10/
<p>Eight climbers stood at 22,834 ft today, looking down to an ocean of lesser peaks in the Andes! They did a great job and climbed all the way to the highest point in the World outside of Asia. The eight climbers and their guides, from AP 1 and AP2 expeditions, were back at high camp happy and tired when I got a phone call from the guide Emiliano. So congratulations to them, all of them will have a very special end of the year. They will complete the Aconcagua traverse tomorrow, by going down by a diferent route to the base camp of the normal route, Plaza de Mulas.</p>
<p>I will post more news tomorrow! There goes a pic of the summit, from a previous trip.</p>Sat, 17 Dec 2011 03:19:14 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-10/The team left the Cityhttp://patagonicas.com/the-team-left-the-city/
<p>Six climbers and two guides left Mendoza today, at noon. We had a nice and smooth meeting yesterday in the patio of the Park Hyatt (picture), and then went for a great dinner and some Malbec red wine.</p>
<p>Leading the team is Augusto Ortega, from Peru, the man who has stood more times in the summit of Aconcagua in History: I guess he&acute;s been there 55 times. With him is Rolo Abaca, a Mendocinian Guide and Ski instructor, who is at home in our mountain. We have a couple in their honeymoon, Ruth and Paul, from London. Also Suzette, from South Africa, Ted from Colorado (US), and Kaushil and Jigar from Canada. They rode a van to Los Penitentes (3 hours), a small place in the heart of the Central Andes, the last bed and hot shower in two weeks for them. THey will begin their 3-day hike in to base camp tomorrow.</p>
<div class="image centered"><img class="left" src="http://patagonicas.com/assets/Uploads/_resampled/ResizedImage600450-Augusto-y-team.png" width="600" height="450" alt="" title="" /></div>
<p>I will be posting news about their progress, every time they call me (every 2 or 3 days).</p>
<p>Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s</p>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:49:15 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-team-left-the-city/Camp II and summit bound http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-and-summit-bound-2/
<p>The two expeditions that left on December 4th from Mendoza have been progressing together on the mountain, naturally becoming a single team. So they will "join forces" for the summit push, and therefore I will write common dispatches for all of you relatives, lovers, friends, jealous rivals, etc. (If they save energies, why shouldn&acute;t I&iquest;).<br />The news are that they are resting at Camp II, at 18,000 beautiful feet of altitude, and will move to High Camp tomorrow. Everyone is strong and focused, the guides said. The weather forecast indicates sunny days, no wind. High Camp, or Cholera Camp, is an awesome eagle`s nest at 6.000m, where sunsets are quite an experience. (See picture, from a previous trip).<br /> <br />They will go for the highest point in the world outside the Himalayas, the 22,834 ft summit, on Friday, if the weather stays good. I will keep you informed.<br /> <br />Saludos desde Mendoza!<br />Nicol&aacute;s<br />Nicolas Garcia / Aconcagua Operations Manager</p>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:39:34 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-and-summit-bound-2/Camp II and summit bound http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-and-summit-bound/
<p>The two expeditions that left on December 4th from Mendoza have been progressing together on the mountain, naturally becoming a single team. So they will "join forces" for the summit push, and therefore I will write common dispatches for all of you relatives, lovers, friends, jealous rivals, etc. (If they save energies, why shouldn&acute;t I&iquest;).<br />The news are that they are resting at Camp II, at 18,000 beautiful feet of altitude, and will move to High Camp tomorrow. Everyone is strong and focused, the guides said. The weather forecast indicates sunny days, no wind. High Camp, or Cholera Camp, is an awesome eagle`s nest at 6.000m, where sunsets are quite an experience. (See picture, from a previous trip).<br /> <br />They will go for the highest point in the world outside the Himalayas, the 22,834 ft summit, on Friday, if the weather stays good. I will keep you informed.<br /> <br />Saludos desde Mendoza!<br />Nicol&aacute;s<br /> <br />Nicolas Garcia / Aconcagua Operations Manager</p>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:36:02 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-and-summit-bound/Move to Camp I http://patagonicas.com/move-to-camp-i/
<p>The group has moved to Camp I (16,000 ft), and they are doing a carry of gear, tents and food to Camp II (18,000 ft). Everyone is well there. The group is smaller now, since three climbers left because they weren&acute;t adapting well to altitude.<br />I managed to get pictures from the mountain! Here is the team getting helped by mules to cross the Relinchos river, and the chopper carrying gear to base camp: two very different transportation technologies in the same mountain. I will be posting more news when Claudio calls me.<br /> <br />Regards, Nicol&aacute;s</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="image left"><img class="left" src="http://patagonicas.com/assets/Uploads/_resampled/ResizedImage600450-heli.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="" title="" /></div>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:57:22 -0300http://patagonicas.com/move-to-camp-i/Camp I http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-3/
<p>The group moved to Camp I (16.000 ft) on Sunday, and are doing a carry to Camp II (18,000 ft) today. This means that they will pass the 5.000 m line, on day number 10th of the trip. They are thus getting acclimatized to altitude with perfect timing. The general scheme is something like "rest - carry to next camp - move to higher camp- rest", but of course the guides change the schedule according to the weather, the group, etc. Everyone is fine and strong. I attach a photograph of base camp.<br /> <br />More news when the sat phone delivers them...<br />Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s <br /> <br />Aventuras Patagonicas - Mountain Guides<br />1303 Sumac Avenue Boulder CO 80304 USA<br />US Toll Free: 1-888-203-9354 or 303-447-2858<br />UK Toll Free: 0800-404-9183</p>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:55:35 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-3/Base camp Plaza Argentina http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-plaza-argentina/
<p>The team made it safely to base camp today. They had a rainy approximation hike in -better to have the bad weather in the approach and "save" the sunny days for the high regions- but they did ok, according to the guide Emiliano. They were greeted at Plaza Argentina (13,900 ft) by Diego and Celina, our BC stuff. Both of them are climbers so they know how to welcome hungry hikers. During the hike in the group was able to wee awesome views, as this one of the Polish Glacier in the pic.</p>
<p>More news soon, (still) for free!</p>
<p>Regards,</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:06:23 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-plaza-argentina/Successful hike inhttp://patagonicas.com/successful-hike-in/
<p>Climbers and guides arrived today at base camp Plaza Argentina (13,900 ft), after a rainy 3-day hike in. The reward was a big welcoming meal, prepared by Diego and Celina in our camp. Everyone is ok and healthy (and tired). They will rest the whole day tomorrow. I attach a picture of the Relinchos valley, that leads to the base camp. The two expeditions that are moving together (AP 1 and AP2 groups) comform a young, motivated team.</p>
<p>I will post more news when they call me again. come back to check!</p>
<p>Regards, Nicol&aacute;s</p>
<p>Nicolas Garcia / Aconcagua Operations Manager</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:02:41 -0300http://patagonicas.com/successful-hike-in/A new season of Andean dreams http://patagonicas.com/a-new-season-of-andean-dreams-2/
<p>Two teams of climbers left Mendoza (Argentina) yesterday, bound for Mt Aconcagua. This marks the beginning of a new season of Aventuras Patagonicas' expeditions to the highest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas; for us it means a new season of building experiences together with climbers and guides from all over the World.</p>
<p><img class="image right" src="http://patagonicas.com/assets/Uploads/AP2%20guias-1.jpg" width="350" /></p>
<p>The two teams -nine climbers and three guides each- will move independently in the mountain, and I will report their progress separately. These dispatches, then, correspond to the group "AP#2", led by Claudio Beiza -an experienced professional guide from Mendoza, who spent many years in Alaska-. Two strong ladies -Anal&iacute;a Lettos, a gifted rock climber from C&oacute;rdoba (Argentina) and Aili Farquhar, from the US- complete the guiding team (picture).</p>
<p>After the mandatory dose of steak and Malbec red wine, Mendoza`s trademark, they began the three-day hike to base camp Plaza Argentina (almost 14,000 ft) today. Weather is fine.</p>
<p>more news soon! Best wishes from Mendoza,</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:28:54 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-season-of-andean-dreams-2/A new season of Andean dreamshttp://patagonicas.com/a-new-season-of-andean-dreams/
<p>Two teams of climbers left Mendoza (Argentina) yesterday, bound for Mt Aconcagua. This marks the beginning of a new season of Aventuras Patagonicas' expeditions to the highest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas; for us it means a new season of building experiences together with climbers and guides from all over the World.</p>
<p>This year we set off with a solid and motivated group of 9 climbers, led by AP guides Emiliano Poletti (Mendoza), Eliana Caama&ntilde;o (Argentinian too) and James Gustafson (Alaska). They are all in the picture, taken just before leaving Mendoza. This team is going to be "AP#1" in our website. They are already hiking to base camp Plaza Argentina (almost 14,000 ft), where they will arrive the day after tomorrow. The weather is perfect in the mountain.</p>
<p>I will be posting news everytime they call me from their sat phone, so please visit the website form time to time!</p>
<p>Regards,&nbsp;</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:24:25 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-season-of-andean-dreams/Last summit of the season http://patagonicas.com/last-summit-of-the-season/
<p>A clear sky greeted the 5 climbers and his guide as they summited Mt Aconcagua (22,834 ft) on Saturday. "We have beautiful weather up here and everyone is happy", said Mike Bradley, calling from the top of this half of the planet. The group went back to High Camp that day and to Plaza de Mulas base camp yesterday, completing the Aconcagua Traverse. Now they are hiking out to the trailhead, to spend one night at the lodge (Los Penitentes), and then back to Mendoza just in time for our Fiesta de la Vendimia (the big wine harvest party). Perfect timing. I attach a picture of the summit ridge, taken by Mike in a previous trip. Congratulations to the team and thanks to all of you for your patience. Regards.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:53:40 -0300http://patagonicas.com/last-summit-of-the-season/Tent bound in Camp IIhttp://patagonicas.com/tent-bound-in-camp-ii/
<p>Our last trip of the season is still on the mountain. Some snow and strong winds kept Mike and the team stuck in their tents in Camp II until today. The sun finally made its appearance and they are moving to high camp now, according to what Mike told me this morning. Everyone is doing well and eager to see the world from one of its highest viewpoints...</p>
<p>I am uploading a picture of high camp, to give you an idea of how the place looks like. I will upload another dispatch when the guides decide its time to summit.</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 12:17:02 -0300http://patagonicas.com/tent-bound-in-camp-ii/High places http://patagonicas.com/high-places/
<p>The group is at Camp II (17,700 ft), also known as the Chopper Camp. They are ok and ready to take the final steps of the climb. They made a carry of gear to High Camp, which means they reached the 6.000m zone. Now they are going to move to High camp, rest there one day and then go fo it. Mike said over the sat phone that probably Saturday or Sunday it&acute;s their day. I will let you know when they call me. Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:14:43 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-places/Summit! http://patagonicas.com/summit-9/
<p>The team summited yesterday (Sunday), with good weather and better spirits. Three out of four climbers got to the top of this side of the planet (22,834 ft), with guide Jacob Schmitz. They enjoyed the view and come down to high camp, to complete the Aconcagua traverse today. They will hike out from Plaza de Mulas tomorrow, and the team will be back to the city on Wednesday. Congratulations to all of them!</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:10:17 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-9/Plaza Argentina http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-2/
<p>The group reached Plaza Argentina, the Vacas and AMeghino routes base camp, today. The camp is located at 4250m-13,950ft. Our base camp manager Beti will have a nice, high-powered dinner for them, to be served at one of our dining tents. I got a call from guide Mike Bradley today. THey had excellent weather during the approximation, which allowed them to see the East face of Aconcagua in all his beauty (picture). Now they will rest at BC for one day, then begin carrying gear and food to the higher camps. I will keep you informed.</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:09:35 -0300http://patagonicas.com/plaza-argentina-2/Camp II- The Chopper Camp http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-the-chopper-camp/
<p>The team is progressing up the mountain. I received a call from Jacob ten minutes ago. They moved to Camp II, at 5400m (17,700 ft), today. He said it&acute;s a great trip so far! Everyone is doing ok. THey will do a carry to High camp tomorow, which means they are going to reach an altitude of 6.000m -a personal record for some of the climbers-, and then probably take a rest day at CII, also called the Chopper Camp. I will upload a new dispatch then, greetings from Mendoza.<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:06:40 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-the-chopper-camp/Acclimatization stage http://patagonicas.com/acclimatization-stage/
<p>The team is commited to the acclimatization game, which consists of getting the body used to work in the thin air of the high altitude regions. They have already done a carry of gear to Camp I (15,750ft), rested one day and are moving now to that camp. The weather is ok, according to the weather forecast. I will keep you informed!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:55:29 -0300http://patagonicas.com/acclimatization-stage/Last adventure of the seasonhttp://patagonicas.com/last-adventure-of-the-season/
<p>With an energetic, all men team, Aventuras Patagonicas launched its 16th and last trip of the 2010-2011 Aconcagua season. As usual, the season is on and off in a rush! So yesterday eight guys, six of them climbers and two of them guides, loaded a van with duffel bags and left for Penitentes, less than 2 miles from the trailhead. After crossing half of the Andes range in the vehicle, they spent one night at the lodge (2.400m- 7,900ft), and will begin their 3-day hike in today. The goal of this first stage is to get to Plaza Argentina, Aconcagua&acute;s base camp at 13,950 ft. The guides of this trip are Mike Bradley, from Colorado, and Larry Holmgreen, from Alaska. Both of them have already been up there this season. I attach a picture of the group, while they still look clean and well rested!<br />Regards from Mendoza,<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:46:27 -0300http://patagonicas.com/last-adventure-of-the-season/Base camp rest http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-rest/
<p>The group completed succesfully the approach and spent one deserved rest day at base camp (13,950'). In the 3-day hike in they had the chance to see the beautiful East Face of Aconcagua, with an excellent view of the Polish Glacier (photo). Today they did their first carry, to leave a cache of food and gear at Camp I. Everyone is strong and happy. More news soon!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 07:23:24 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-rest/A new challenge http://patagonicas.com/a-new-challenge-2/
<p>A new team is on the mountain. Four climbers -all of them looking strong and focused- and guides Jacob Schmitz, from Oregon and just arrived from Anctartica, and Pablo Borjas, a Venezuelan that already stood at the top twice this year. They enjoyed the Hyatt, the steaks and the wines in Mendoza and went for some suffering in the trail today. (If walking with no loads in those beautiful settings can be called suffering). They will have yet another barbecue with the gauchos tonight, and will get to Plaza Argentina base camp (4,250m) in three days. I attach a picture of the group, just before leaving Mendoza. I will keep you informed!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garcia<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:15:05 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-challenge-2/Summit!http://patagonicas.com/summit-8/
<p>Three members of the team stood at the summit of Mt Aconcagua, at 22,831 ft, yesterday! Congratulations to them. Martin called me from high camp today. He told me everyone is fine and that they were going to descend to Plaza de Mulas today, to complete the Aconcagua traverse, and then to the trailhead and to Mendoza tomorrow. I attach a picture of the summit, from a previous trip. Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:49:32 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-8/Extraordinary summit day http://patagonicas.com/extraordinary-summit-day/
<p>THe team reached the top! Congratulations to all of them. I will leave the chronicle to the writer and member of the team Stephen McGhee, posted today in his blog.<br />I heard the stoves fire up at 4:24 AM. My tent mate Jeff and I immediately began putting on our layers for our summit push.</p>
<p>After a miserable rest day with freezing temperatures and 75 mile per hour winds, we were all interested in what we would find as we stuck our heads out of our tents. It was cold and calm which is typical for July in Argentina at least at 19,200 feet.</p>
<p>After slamming pound cakes for quick energy and making sure we each had with 2 liters of water we all met Dennis Carruth at the trailhead. Our dear friend Dennis had decided the night before to call it summit at high camp. He is one of the most tenacious and loving men I know. One of his biggest reasons for making this decision was the intense altitude headaches he has been enduring. We all hugged our beloved Dennis as he headed back for base camp. We hugged him with great respect for his choice and headed up the mountain.</p>
<p>It was 6:30 AM and I could tell our guide Mike was more intentional than ever about this day. Our goal at this point was to put the 5 remaining team members on the summit of Aconcagua. Sunrise at 19,000 feet is spectacular and the climb to 22,834 feet would be intense. The snow covered mountains and colors had all of us in awe. This mountain is a serious feat and you cannot believe the vertical and wind on certain sections and traverses. And we had perfect weather.</p>
<p>You would not believe the emotional and mental toughness displayed on this day by all 5 of us. There were many times where finding another step just seemed impossible and as you know, what seems impossible is not.</p>
<p>Today, Mike and Rollo, our guides put 5 members of the Aconcagua Man Team on the summit of Aconcagua, an emotional and exhausting endeavor and each of us is better for it. The typical summit success rate for Aconcagua is roughly 30 percent for all groups that attempt it. Today this team shattered that statistic.</p>
<p>Tonight we have Ramen noodles and descend with our gear to base camp tomorrow on the other side of the mountain. Stay tuned and thank you for your prayers. We felt them all day long.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:54:09 -0300http://patagonicas.com/extraordinary-summit-day/Summit bound http://patagonicas.com/summit-bound/
<p>As I write this dispatch in Mendoza, the team is getting ready to try and get some rest before leaving high camp and go for the summit.<br />They spent one day acclimatizing and waiting for the ideal weather, and tomorrow they will rise before the sun, force some breakfast into their nervous stomachs and start climbing by headlamps, seeing only their breath in the cold and a little circle of the path ahead. Then the sun will appear, warming them and revealing a unique landscape, that few people gets to experience. If the summit happens or not will probably become less important then.<br /> <br />Here are a few words taken from Stephen McGhee's blog, which depict the emotions in the team, and a picture of High Camp: <br /> <br />"We are now in a position for the summit. High camp is at 19,200 feet. None of us have ever been at this altitude and we can see the earth's horizon. It is breathtaking! I can't explain how stunningly beautiful it is.<br />This is a monumental victory for the team. The victory has not come without a price. All of us have experienced extreme headaches, nausea, countless sleepless nights, etc. While all of this is normal, to a degree, for a high altitude climb we have suffered to get this far.</p>
<p>We have grown, realized, cried and expanded beyond compare. At times we climb in silence. At other times we laugh, joke and have a hell of a time".</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Nicolas Garcia / Aconcagua Operations Manager</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:24:51 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-bound/Moving to 15,750 fthttp://patagonicas.com/moving-to-15-750-ft/
<p>One reluctant sat phone did not keep the team from working their way up the mountain, completing the base camp stage to move on to Camp I and tomorrow to Camp II, at 15,750'. This morning, our guide Martin Molina finally got a good clear sky, with plenty of satellites, and gave me a long call. All members of the expedition are doing great and weather has been awesome so far. They all get along fine and are higly motivated, Martin said. They did a carry of gear and food to Camp II, called the Chopper Camp. The weather forecast shows sunny days ahead, with the usual strong winds higher in the 6.000m zone. I apologize for the lack of communications and upload a nice picture of the East face of mighty Aconcagua. Regards.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza <br /></p>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:25:44 -0300http://patagonicas.com/moving-to-15-750-ft/To Camp II- Beyond 5.000 meters! http://patagonicas.com/to-camp-ii-beyond-5-000-meters/
<p>In a great team work, the group completed the base camp stage and moved to a new challenge, the carrying-moving system used in big mountains. (One day you carry part of your gear and food to the next higher camp, you come down to sleep, next day you move to the higher camp and sleep there, next day you rest and sleep at the new camp, next you start the process again to a higher altitude). Mike, Sthephen and the others are now at Camp I, at 4800m or 15,750 ft. They did their portering to Camp II and are moving there tomorrow, so the team will pass the 5.000m barrier, to have their temporary home at 5.400m -17,700 ft. More news soon!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza<br /> <br /></p>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:09:51 -0300http://patagonicas.com/to-camp-ii-beyond-5-000-meters/Base camphttp://patagonicas.com/base-camp-3/
<p>The team succesfully completed the hike in to Plaza Argentina, the base camp of the Ameghino or Vacas Valley route, at 13,950 ft. They are resting there and enjoying the hospitality of our BC staff, Betiana and Mariana. They will begin the carries to higher camps tomorrow. Guide Mike Bradley says it`s a very strong team! Here&acute;s a picture of the awesome view the had from the trail. Regards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:08:16 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-3/Hike in to Plaza Argentinahttp://patagonicas.com/hike-in-to-plaza-argentina/
<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">A new challenge began yesterday, as this 5 person team left the lodge at Penitentes and set food in the slopes of Mt Aconcagua. They have a three-day journey ahead, followong the Vacas river valley, until they get to Plaza Argentina, the Ameghino Route Base Camp, at 13.950 ft. Martin Molina, from Mendoza,&nbsp;is their guide. We will be in touch with via radio and sat phone, so I will be posting fresh information in the website. Stay tuned!</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">AP Mendoza</span></div>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:33:33 -0300http://patagonicas.com/hike-in-to-plaza-argentina/The acclimatization game http://patagonicas.com/the-acclimatization-game/
<p>The team is resting at Camp I, 15,750 ft, after a carry to Camp II (17,700'), where they left a cache with gear and food. Carrying to higher altitude and sleeping at lower altitude helps the body to adjust to the thin air. Guide Claudio Beiza called and said the group is doing very well. They are planning to go for the summit on Friday, but I will confirm this in a couple of days. I am uploading a picture of the section of the mountain where they are moving now. Regards.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:57:16 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-acclimatization-game/Summit! http://patagonicas.com/summit-7/
<p>Guide Claudio "Cacho" Beiza called from the summit! He was with three climbers, weather was ok and he sounded happy. They had a nice climb, he said, and were ready to head back to the high camp. There they will join the rest of the team, and tomorrow they will walk down to the Normal route base camp, Plaza de Mulas, to complete the Aconcagua traverse, which is one of the goals of every expedition, besides of course summiting. We are glad to know they stood at the top! I will post more details when I get another sat phone communication. I upload a picture of the summit ridge, form a previous trip. Saludos!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:57:12 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-7/Back in town http://patagonicas.com/back-in-town-2/
<p>Everyone is resting in Mendoza, getting ready for the real challenge after traversing Aconcagua:the steak &amp; Mendocinian red wine celebration dinner at Don Mario. The team reached the altitude of approx 6.700m (almost 22,000 ft!), and then completed the traverse, descending a different side of the mountain. I attach a picture of the final stage of the climb, from another trip. Congratulations again to the team and greetings from Mendoza for all of you.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:50:19 -0300http://patagonicas.com/back-in-town-2/Six men and a mountain http://patagonicas.com/six-men-and-a-mountain/
<p>Aventurs Patagonicas 14th trip of the season is under way, with four climbers and two guides aboard. The team is hiking towards base camp now, after a nice meting and dinner in town, last minute shopping and scenic ride through the Andes. This is a private group from Quatar, looking strong and with positive attitude. Jeff Sandifort is the leading guide, an Australian living in Bolivia, and local credit Gabriel Moretta is coguiding. They should arrive to PLaza Argentina, the Ameguino base camp at 13,800 ft, today. I will be uploading news as they call me from the slopes. I attach a picture of Aconcagua, as seen from the trail to BC. Regards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:05:03 -0300http://patagonicas.com/six-men-and-a-mountain/An inner and outer journey http://patagonicas.com/an-inner-and-outer-journey/
<p>The 10 mountaineers of our 12th expedition of the season set foot in the trail today. The aspect that inmediately stands out about this trip, and sets it apart, is that the climbers were already a team months before coming to Aconcagua. They also share a purpose which goes beyond the climbing, the "Aconcagua Man Project".</p>
<p>In the words of writer Stephen McGhee, creator of the project, in his blog: "The Aconcagua Man Project is a nine month program that was created for 6 unique men that are willing to push themselves to the edge of their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual boundaries. The culmination of this "Kick Ass" Journey has them attempting to summit the highest mountain in the world outside of Asia...The Mighty Aconcagua".</p>
<p>The climbers in the team are McGhee, Eric Wiseman, Troy Wagner, Gregory Aden, Jeff Paterson, Denis Carruth and Vince Roland. They walk with an outstanding team of guides: Mike Bradley (Colorado, US); Augusto Ortega (Per&uacute;) and Rolo Abaca (Mendoza, Argentina).<br />They have a three-day hike ahead, to get to Plaza Argentina base camp. I will be uploading dispatches with their progress on the hill.</p>
<p>Stay tuned!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:08:51 -0300http://patagonicas.com/an-inner-and-outer-journey/On top of (half) the worldhttp://patagonicas.com/on-top-of-half-the-world/
<p>The awesome number of seven climbers and two guides stood at the highest point of this half of the globe (22,834 ft) yesterday! Larry gave a call from his satellite phone, to say everything went well and that they were back at high camp. Everyone is happy and tired. They have a walk down to Plaza de Mulas (the Normal route base camp) ahead, to complete the Aconcagua traverse. And after a good dinner and night there, they will hike out to Penitentes (trailhead), to be back in Mendoza by Friday. Congratulations to a brave team. I attach a picture, from a previous season, to give you an idea of the achievement.</p>
<p>Regards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:50:45 -0300http://patagonicas.com/on-top-of-half-the-world/At home at 6,000 m http://patagonicas.com/at-home-at-6-000-m/
<p>The entire group has made a stronghold at high camp, also called Colera Camp, also called White Rocks camp, at 6,000m of altitude -19,685'-. Guide Larry Holmgreen said everything is ok. They might try the summit tomorrow or wait one day, it will depend on the weather up there. I attach a picture of the camp. I will let you know as soon as we know. Regards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:55:48 -0300http://patagonicas.com/at-home-at-6-000-m/Going up http://patagonicas.com/going-up/
<p>The team completed the acclimatization and rest stage at base camp and is moving up. They carried their gear and food to Camp I, and then moved to that camp yesterday. Camp I is at 15,750 ft. There goes a pic of the trail, from a previous trip. I will kep you posted.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:52:40 -0300http://patagonicas.com/going-up/A new challenge http://patagonicas.com/a-new-challenge/
<p>Seven climbers and three guides began a new adventure yesterday, as they left the valley and set foot in the trail. It is AP number 11 expedition of the season, a strong and happy team (see picture) led by Mendocinian guide Claudio Beiza, with British guide Anne Parmenter and local guide Mariana Gallego. THey have a 3 day approach to base camp ahead. I will be uploading dispatches as they call me from their sat phone. Regards!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:49:45 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-challenge/Camp I - 15,900 ft http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-15-900-ft/
<p>Everyone made it to base camp Plaza Argentina in great shape. They rested there, enjoying the hospitality of Betiana and Mariana -our Plaza Argentina staff-, and then moved to Camp I yesterday. Weather is fine and team spirit too. I am uploading a picture of the trail to base camp, so you can see the Polish Glacier. More dispatches when news come from the sattelites! Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:46:20 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-15-900-ft/See you at the summit http://patagonicas.com/see-you-at-the-summit-2/
<p>A gathering of 15climbers and guides from Aventuras Patagonicas took place today in the highest square meter on this side of the planet. The selected guests shared impressions regarding the route and the remarkable views from the summit of Mt Aconcagua, at 22,824 ft.</p>
<p>All of them are part of AP#7 and AP#8 expeditions, and we are proud of their success in climbing Aconcagua. They had an excellent day, result of the wisdom of waiting for the right window instead of rushing up the mountain.</p>
<p>Everyone is happy and strong. They are back at high camp now. They will complete the Aconcagua traverse tomorrow, by going down to a different base camp than the used in the way up. THen they will hike to the trailhead on thursday, and ride to Mendoza on friday. Congratulations! There goes a pic of the trail to the summit. Regards.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:54:06 -0300http://patagonicas.com/see-you-at-the-summit-2/See you at the summit http://patagonicas.com/see-you-at-the-summit/
<p>A gathering of 15climbers and guides from Aventuras Patagonicas took place today in the highest square meter on this side of the planet. The selected guests shared impressions regarding the route and the remarkable views from the summit of Mt Aconcagua, at 22,824 ft.</p>
<p>All of them are part of AP#7 and AP#8 expeditions, and we are proud of their success in climbing Aconcagua. They had an excellent day, result of the wisdom of waiting for the right window instead of rushing up the mountain.</p>
<p>Everyone is happy and strong. They are back at high camp now. They will complete the Aconcagua traverse tomorrow, by going down to a different base camp than the used in the way up. THen they will hike to the trailhead on thursday, and ride to Mendoza on friday. Congratulations! There goes a pic of the summit. Regards.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:50:11 -0300http://patagonicas.com/see-you-at-the-summit/A solid team http://patagonicas.com/a-solid-team/
<p>A healthy, steak and Malbec fed group left Mendoza yesterday, headed for Aconcagua. The eight climbers and three guides (Mili, Mat&iacute;as and Pablo) looked like a team from the moment they met for the expedition meeting at the Hyatt. THey began the 3-day hike in to base camp Plaza Argentina yesterday. They shared yet another barbecue last night, gaucho style, in the first camp (Pampa de Le&ntilde;as). Everyone is doing great, according to lead guide Mili Poletti. I am uploading a picture of them, standing at the Hyatt right before they rode to Penitentes (close to the trailhead). I will upload news soon! Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:50:32 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-solid-team/Summit push today http://patagonicas.com/summit-push-today/
<p>After wisely remaining tent bound one day at high camp (6000m- 19,685 ft), waiting the right weather, the group will attempt the summit today. This means that today they were out and walking before sunrise, before their relatives and friends read this -and certainly before I woke up this warm morning in Mendoza. The team will be cold, probably, for an hour or so, until the sun warms their bodies and reveals the unforgettable landscapes of the highest regions in the planet.</p>
<p>Summit or not, they will be back a the tents this afternoon, to complete the Aconcagua traverse tomorrow (they will go down by a different route than the one they took in the way up). I will let you know as soon as I get the call. In the meantime, there goes a pic of the place, taken a couple of seasons ago. REgards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:43:52 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-push-today/Aconcagua bound http://patagonicas.com/aconcagua-bound-2/
<p>A new expedition left Mendoza yesterday, after the usual welcoming dinner and climbing permit paperwork in the morning. The 10 climbers and guides Larry Holmgreen, Aike Parvex and Eliana Cama&ntilde;o spent the night in Penitentes, 3 km from the trailhead, and began the 3-day hike in to base camp today. I attach a picture of the group, posing at the Hyatt hotel, before the 180 km ride to Penitentes. I will be posting dispatches when they call me from the mountain. Regards.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:39:59 -0300http://patagonicas.com/aconcagua-bound-2/Camp I http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-2/
<p>After completing the 3-day hike in to base camp, with a useful rest day included, the team is working in the "carry-move-rest" system. (This is, doing a trip from a given camp to the next higher one, carrying the gear, food and fuel, but going back to sleep to the lower camp. At the next day, the team moves up to the camp where the cache was left, with tents and personal gear: then the third day is used to rest and complete the acclimatization to the new altitude). They are now at Camp I (15,750'), and carrying to Camp II (17,700'). I am uploading a photograph of the area, so everyone can see the place. The picture is from a previous trip. Regards for now!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:36:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-2/Towards the high regions http://patagonicas.com/towards-the-high-regions/
<p>The group succesfully completed the first stages of the expedition: the hike in and the first acclimatization step, at base camp Plaza Argentina. They have moved to Camp 1 (15,750') and yesterday they carried gear and fuel to Camp II (17,700'), at the base of the glacier. Spirits are high and weather is fine. I attach a picture of the work up the slopes (from a previous trip). I will keep you informed! Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:31:35 -0300http://patagonicas.com/towards-the-high-regions/Summit day http://patagonicas.com/summit-day-3/
<p>The team is at high camp (6000m- 19,685 ft). They were ready to go for the summit yestarday, but the weather forecast showed some high winds up there, so patiente prevailed and they will go for it today. Everyone is in good shape and motivated, guide Ben told me in a satellite phone conversation. So today they will go out before dawn, lighted by the thin rays of their headlamps, to reach the 22,834' peak, the highest hill in this half of the globe. Good luck to them, and a picture of the place for you. I will upload news when they call again. Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:31:21 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-day-3/A team at last http://patagonicas.com/a-team-at-last/
<p>After a logistics challenge, we managed to get this team together in base camp Plaza Argentina. The eight climbers completed the hike in in three different "waves", in what was really flawless team working between the US office, our Mendoza office, the staff in the field and of course the climbers themselves.</p>
<p>The guides and climbers are focused in their real goal now, the striking Polish Glacier (picture) of Aconcagua. I will be uploading the news of their progress in the next days. Happy New Year!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:21:19 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-team-at-last/Heading backhttp://patagonicas.com/heading-back/
<p>After completing the traverse of the mountain, our fourth team of the season reached Plaza de Mulas base camp yesterday. They had a significant dinner to celebrate and will be back at Mendoza tomorrow, if all goes well. Congratulations! I attach a picture of this beautiful mountain, taken last year. Happy New Year to all of you!</p>
<p>Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:18:44 -0300http://patagonicas.com/heading-back/Traverse completed http://patagonicas.com/traverse-completed/
<p>Our third expedition of this season did a brave summit push yesterday. They climbed up to the summit ridge, but poor snow conditions made the terrain unsafe, so they decided to call it a day -quite a day, considering they reached 22,300 ft- and came back to high camp.</p>
<p>The team then fullfilled the goal of traversing the mountain, by using a different route to descend. They slept at Plaza de Mulas base camp yesterday, and today they got to the traihead for sodas and and a shower at the Penitentes lodge. They will be in Mendoza tomorrow at noon. Congratulations to all of them! And a happy New Year to you, from the AP office in Mendoza. Regards.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:16:42 -0300http://patagonicas.com/traverse-completed/Summit!http://patagonicas.com/summit-6/
<p>In a big team success, the group reached Aconcagua's 22,834 ft summit yesterday. Six climbers got to the highest point in the hemisphere. Guide Augusto Ortega called me from the summit, and he sounded happy and proud of the team. They came back to High camp safely, and are completing the traverse to the Normal route base camp, Plaza de Mulas, today. They will hike to the trailhead tomorrow (Sunday), and finally come to Mendoza in the van on Monday. I will keep you informed. Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:13:56 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-6/Half a group and no picture http://patagonicas.com/half-a-group-and-no-picture/
<p>December 29th</p>
<p>Thanks to the Northern hemisphere's winter conditions, our Polish Glacier group had to become two expeditions: four of the eight climbers left today for the 3-day hike in to base camp, while the other four are in Mendoza, recovering from a nightmare of airports and missing duffel bags, and will leave tomorrow. This almost doubles the logistics of a trip (tents, transfers, food, mules and the like). And it left us without the group picture we like to post at the beginning of each trip.</p>
<p>Apart from that, the team led by guides Martin Molina (Mendoza) and Ben Adkinson (US) looks strong and apt to the clallenge. We'll celebrate when both parties meet at Plaza Argentina, the 4.200m base camp.</p>
<p>Regards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:45:46 -0300http://patagonicas.com/half-a-group-and-no-picture/A lucky team http://patagonicas.com/a-lucky-team/
<p>Despite the nightmare of cancelled and delayed flights that make our logistics work as challenging as the high altitude chores, this team of ten climbers and three guides left Mendoza and headed for the trailhead on time. Australian guide Jeff Sandiford and local guides Mariana Gallego and Gabriel Moretta lead the pack. They began the 3-day hike in to base camp today, after some acclimatization to steaks and Malbec in Mendoza. I am uploading a nice picture of the happy team. I will be writing dispatches every time they call me from the mountain. Stay tuned!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:41:25 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-lucky-team/Camp II - 17,716 ft http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-17-716-ft-2/
<p>December 29 The whole group made it to Camp II and the next day they did a carry of gear to High Camp (6.000m, 19,680 ft). This means good acclimatization for the last stage. They are resting and waiting for some snowy days to pass, and will go for the summit in two or three days. I will let you know, when guide Augusto Ortega calls me. I Attach a picture of the awesome place up there. I will write to you soon<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:37:14 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-17-716-ft-2/Camp II - 17,716 fthttp://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-17-716-ft/
<p>High spirits and a light, fresh snow cover at the camp. The team is doing well, acording to guide Mark Postle, and everyone of them is motivated and strong. They already made a carry to high camp (picture, from a previous trip). I will post more news when they call me. Regards.<br /> <br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:35:28 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-17-716-ft/Team successhttp://patagonicas.com/team-success/
<p>The climbers and guides from this team crowded the summit! Guides Mark and Rolo gave me a sat phone call from 22,834' a couple of days ago. By now they are back in Mendoza and getting ready for a big celebration dinner. I apologize for a late dispatch: the big wave of flights cancellations and delays in the US and Europe, due to last week's storms, gave me a lot of trouble. Anyway, warm congratulations and a happy New Year to climbers and readers! I attach a picture of the place, so you can see it. Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s</p>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:35:26 -0300http://patagonicas.com/team-success/Everything ready for the summithttp://patagonicas.com/everything-ready-for-the-summit/
<p>The group is resting at High Camp, at 19,650 ft, and will go for the summit on Friday, if all goes as planned. Spirits are high and weather will be ok, acording to the forecast. I attach a picture of the spectacular summit risge, taken by guide Mike Bradley in a previous trip. Regards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:33:29 -0300http://patagonicas.com/everything-ready-for-the-summit/High camp and summit push tomorrow http://patagonicas.com/high-camp-and-summit-push-tomorrow/
<p>The team is at High camp, called Plaza Colera (19,685'), focused on the summit. Despite some snow flakes today, they will probably go for it tomorrow. After an early sip of tea in the tents, they will probably face an hour or two of unpleasant cold before the sun warms the top of the hemisphere, and then enjoy a landscape which few people has the privilege to experience. If all goes well they will climb slowly to the Windy Pass, then to the Canaleta, the gully leading to the summit, and then they will stand by the cross that marks the 22,834 ft summit. THen they will head back to high camp, to a well deserved rest, and in the next day they will traverse the other side of the mountain towards Plaza de Mulas. I will post the news tomorrow in the afternoon. Good luck to the team!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:31:11 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-camp-and-summit-push-tomorrow/Ready fot the summit http://patagonicas.com/ready-fot-the-summit/
<p>The team is at Camp II, ready to move to High Camp (19,600 ft) and to go for the top of thi side of the world. Everyone is strong and feeling motivated. THey spent an awesome Christmas, guide Mar&iacute;a Jos&eacute; told me. I will keep you informed of their progress. THe goes a picture of high camp. Regards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:04:13 -0300http://patagonicas.com/ready-fot-the-summit/Camp II http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-2/
<p>The group reached Camp II (17,700 ft) today. They will do a carry to high camp, at almost 6,000m (19,600 ft), tomorrow. If all goes well, they will go for the summit on Friday, with good weather according to the weather forecast. I attach a picture of the terrain, from a previous trip. Regards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:01:19 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii-2/Ready to celebrate http://patagonicas.com/ready-to-celebrate/
<p>All the climbers and guides are happy at base camp. Guide Augusto sounded relaxed over the sat phone, and he said they were ready to spend Christmas at Plaza Argentina (we celebrate Christmas with a big dinner the night before, the 24th). They have completed a carry to Camp I, and after the party they will head towards the altitude part of the expedition. I will keep you posted! I attach a picture of the mountain, from a previous trip. Have a Merry Christmas. Regards,<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 19:42:54 -0300http://patagonicas.com/ready-to-celebrate/High celebration http://patagonicas.com/high-celebration/
<p>Here in Argentina the tradition is to celebrate Christmas -for those who do celebrate- with a big dinner the night before, this is today (December 24). And this is what the climbers and guides in this group are going to do tonight. Betiana, our base camp manager, said he has something very special for tonight. There are several expeditions at base camp, so it will probably be a big party. (To the wifes and husbands waiting at home: it's not such a big party after all, and noone wants a hang over at 13,800').<br /> <br />The weather forecast show a good window of clear, quiet days, and everyone up there is strong and motivated. I attach a picture of our dining tents, form last year. Regards and Merry Christmas!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Fri, 24 Dec 2010 19:38:15 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-celebration/Camp I http://patagonicas.com/camp-i/
<p>The team moved to Camp I, at 15,750', today. They did a carry of gear before, so the altitude gain shoud not be an issue. The whole system of carrying-resting.moving to higer camps is based in years of experience working at high altitude. Everyone is fine up there. One climber wasn&acute;t acclimatizing properly so he preferred to ride a mule down to the trailhead (I&acute;d guess it is more comfortable to climb Everest barefooted than riding a mule that&acute;s in a hurry to get back home to grass and gossip with the other mules). The picture is from a previous trip. I will keep you informed in the next episode. Regards.</p>
<p>nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:00:58 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i/Base camphttp://patagonicas.com/base-camp-2/
<p>The team is resting at base camp (13,800'), after a successful 3-day approach. As there are some other AP teams there, the place is as cosmopolitan as a European capital city these days. Betiana, our base camp manager, and Mariana, the cook (or cheff, if you want a more glamourous term), are their hosts. Family team and guides are doing ok and getting ready for a mountain Christmas. I attach a picture of the hike in, from last season. I will write to you soon!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:43:17 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-2/Hike in to Base camp Plaza Argentina http://patagonicas.com/hike-in-to-base-camp-plaza-argentina/
<p>The eight climbers and three guides in Aventuras Patagonicas' 6th trip of the season began their Aconcagua journey 3 days ago. They left the city of Mendoza, spent one night at Los Penitentes (2,800m), where they enjoyed their last beds and showers in many days, and headed for the trailhead, with their belongings properly loaded over pack mules. They shared an asado -barbecue- with the arrieros (muleteers) and will arrive to base camp today. Plaza Argentina, at 4.200m, is an ideal place to acclimatize before reaching the high regions of the mountain. As they walked, they passed awesome landscapes as the one in the picture, with the Polish Glacier in full power.<br /> <br />The climbers in this group are: Steven Rogers, Sarah Hart, Guillaume Le Prohon, Maude Guay, Peter Roehner, Pierre Godof, Claire Morrissey and Mark Horrell. Leading this trip are guides Augusto Ortega (Per&uacute;), who has just 55 Aconcagua summits in his resume, Eliana Caama&ntilde;o (Argentina) and Leo Rasnik (Argentinian Patagonia). I will upload a picture of the group soon! Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 23:27:49 -0300http://patagonicas.com/hike-in-to-base-camp-plaza-argentina/Aconcagua bound http://patagonicas.com/aconcagua-bound/
<p>A new team left Mendoza, bound for the biggest hill in the world outside of Asia: old Mt Aconcagua, 22,834 ft of rock, ice and sheer power. Guides Mark Postle (Oregon, US), Rolo Abaca (Mendoza, Argentina) and Elizabeth Horan (US) lead the pack. The ten climbers are: Stephen Foster, Lalo Diez, Shauna Spencer, Andrew Sielecki, Kimberly Parry, Scott Parry, Scott Parker, Laura Zlotowski, Brent Miller, Natasha Wyatt and Doshi Dhiren.<br />They completed the steak &amp; Malbec stage of the expedition (brave team) and are now hiking to base camp. The hike in to Plaza Argentina (4.200m) takes three days, with some nice views, and the cultural experience of sharing time with the gauchos that lead the mules too. I attach a picture of the happy group in the Park Hyatt hotel, before leaving Mendoza two days ago. I will be uploading the news of their progress every 2 or 3 days. Regards! <br /> <br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a <br />AP Mendoza</p>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:52:43 -0300http://patagonicas.com/aconcagua-bound/A mountain family http://patagonicas.com/a-mountain-family/
<p>Four members of a family, the Stonebrakers, are the mountaineers in this group. A suited last name for these exprienced climbers! The team is led by guides Mike Bradley (Colorado, US) and Fermin Avila (Patagonia, Argentina). They left Mendoza 3 days ago, and are completing the hike in to base camp now. They shared an Argentinian "asado" (barbecue) with the gauchos who led the pack mules, yesterday. We will upload a picture of the group in the next dispatch, in the meantime, there goes one of the barbecue... Regards and we will keep you informed soon<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:36:05 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-mountain-family/Day off at Base Camphttp://patagonicas.com/day-off-at-base-camp/
<p>A relaxed Mar&iacute;a Jos&eacute; called today from base camp Plaza Argentina. The team, she said, completed the scenic 3 days hike in without a problem. They are resting at BC now (4200m), and plan to do a carry to Camp I (4,800m) tomorrow. I attach a picture of the view from the trail, taken in a previous trip. More news in 2 days, until then!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:43:13 -0300http://patagonicas.com/day-off-at-base-camp/Summit!http://patagonicas.com/summit-5/
<p>The team summited! All of them climbed beyond the 6.500m line, and a number of them went on to reach the summit, yesterday. It is our first summit this year and a big team achievement. Congratulations to climbers and guides.</p>
<p>The group is now resting at Plaza de Mulas, the Normal route base camp, which means they also completed the Aconcagua traverse (going up one way and going down via the other face of the mountain). They will complete the hike to the trailhead tomorrow, and they will be back to Mendoza on Saturday. I will send one more dispatch yet, to let you know when they arrive to the city. Regards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sat, 18 Dec 2010 09:37:49 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-5/In the trail http://patagonicas.com/in-the-trail/
<p>Our third trip of the season, a big group of 11 climbers and three guides, set foot on the trail today. Mar&iacute;a Jos&eacute; Mois&eacute;s, a Mendocinian guide, leads this indeed cosmopolitan team. They spent one night in Mendoza, where we shared oversized steaks -"bife de chorizo"- and Malbec red wine. Then they headed towards Anconcagua State park in the van. After a 180 km ride through the Andes, they got to the lodge from where we begin the expeditions, at Los Penitentes. And today they finally began the 3-day hike in to the base camp, Plaza Argentina (4200m, or 13800 ft approx.).<br /> <br />There gooes a picture of the team posing in the Hyatt`s entrance, just before they left Mendoza. We will be uploading news and pictures every time they call us from the sat phone, so we&acute;ll be in touch soon!<br />Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Sat, 18 Dec 2010 09:35:12 -0300http://patagonicas.com/in-the-trail/Summit day tomorrow! http://patagonicas.com/summit-day-tomorrow/
<p>The team has made a comfortable -so to speak- home at High Camp, a few meters below 6.000m, and will go for the summit tomorrow. The weather looks promising, and motivation is high. They face a long but beautiful day, and a lasting experience. I will transmit the news as soon as I hear from them!</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 23:57:48 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-day-tomorrow/Back to the valley http://patagonicas.com/back-to-the-valley/
<p>After some intense days above 6.000m, the team made it safely back to base camp Plaza de Mulas and then to Mendoza. They will share a solid, Malbec irrigated dinner tonight, in the finest local steak restaurant. Everyone is ok, but they went through one of the worst wind storms of the last years: it blew sleeping tents and dining tents all over the mountain. But they held, and completed the traverse. Congratulations to all the team, and apologies for not writing this dispatch before. For those of you following the Western (Gregorian) calendar, have a Merry Christmas and a good New Year!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 23:56:13 -0300http://patagonicas.com/back-to-the-valley/Experience brings patience http://patagonicas.com/experience-brings-patience/
<p>As a wind storm punished the high regions of Aconcagua, a wise move by the guides kept the group's energies intact by waiting in base camp for the right conditions to move up. Being tentbound so early in a big expedition can be a challenge for those with more enthusiasm than experience, but keeping anxiety at bay is key in any high mountain!</p>
<p>The team will probably move to Camp I tomorrow, if the weather improves. I will pass on the news as soon as they call me!</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 12 Dec 2010 07:23:29 -0300http://patagonicas.com/experience-brings-patience/A brave team http://patagonicas.com/a-brave-team/
<p>Despite a wind storm and cold temperatures, the group is ready to spend its second night at high camp, their stronghold at 6.000 m. The campsite was beaten by the wind but everyone did a great job and spirits are high, guide Mike Bradley told me over the sat phone.</p>
<p>The storm took most of their chances to summit, but there`s still a possibility -the guides and climbers will decide tonight if they go for it tomorrow in the morning, or if the head to the normal route base camp. Plaza de Mulas. This option is also an achievement, since the whole group will be completing the Aconcagua traverse, one of the goals of the trip.</p>
<p>One way or the other, to spend two nights at 19,600 ft with bad weather, and to keep going as a team is something that makes us proud of our guides and clients.</p>
<p>I attach a picture of their home in the high regions, taken last year. We will keep you informed.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a <br /> AP Mendoza</p>Sun, 12 Dec 2010 07:20:24 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-brave-team/Camp II and moving higherhttp://patagonicas.com/stage-1-completed-2/
<p>The climbers reached the 6.000m (19,685 ft) frontier! Everyone is ok, strong and motivated. They are finishing the carrying-moving routine, which consists of doing carries to higher camps, then sleeping in lower altitude, then moving the camp to the place where they had taken the carry, then resting, then repeating the process but at higher altitude. Busy days, goods for adapting the body and the mind to the strange atmosphere of the high regions of the world; only in the Himalayas it is possible to go higher than in this expedition, as Aconcagua is the biggest hill this side of the planet! I don&acute;t have the summit push day yet, I hope to know in one or two days. Until then!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:22:36 -0300http://patagonicas.com/stage-1-completed-2/Stage 1 completed http://patagonicas.com/stage-1-completed/
<p>The group is taking a well deserved rest day at base camp today. They completed the hike-in yesterday. They arrived to Plaza Argentina (4200m - 13,800ft) tired but happy, and were greeted by a solid dinner by Betiana and Mariana, our base camp team. I attach a picture of the trail, from a previous trip. Tomorrow they will do a carry of gear and food to camp 1, and will have their first contact with high altitude (5.000m). I will be sending more info soon!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:35:50 -0300http://patagonicas.com/stage-1-completed/Towards base camphttp://patagonicas.com/towards-base-camp/
<p>After the mandatory dose of Argentinean steak &amp; Malbec red wine in Mendoza, the merry 13 people team of Aventuras Patagonicas' second trip of the season left town. Martin Molina (Mendoza), Ben Adkinson (Colorado, US) and Claudio "Cacho" Beiza (Mendoza) are the guides. Plenty of experience there. In the 10 climbers side too, with a predominance of Canadian clients in this group. They set foot in the trailhead yesterday, and are now hiking towards the 4.200 m base camp called Plaza Argentina. They will arrive there tomorrow, if all goes well. They will enjoy some views of the East face (Polish Glacier) in the way.</p>
<p>I will post more info soon. Regards!<br />Nicol&aacute;s</p>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:50:10 -0300http://patagonicas.com/towards-base-camp/Camp I and going strong http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-and-going-strong/
<p>The group has initiated the altitude stage of the climb. They left base camp properly fed &amp; rested, in good mood, and headed towards Camp I (4.800m - 15,750 ft). From there they completed a carry of gear and food to Camp II, which means they surpassed the 5.000 m frontier! Everyone is doing great, according to Mike, and according to the forecast the weather will be good in the next days. More details in the next episode...<br /> <br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />Mendoza</p>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:23:19 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-and-going-strong/Awesome grouphttp://patagonicas.com/awesome-group/
<p>The team made it to Plaza Argentina base camp (13,800 ft approx) today. Mike called via sat phone and said "Everyone is doing great, this is an awesome group". They completed the hike in succesfully -with some vies of the Polish GLacier, as seen in the picture (from a previous trip)-. They will rest one day and then begin the carrying-acclimatization process. I will keep you posted!</p>
<p>Regards, Nicol&aacute;s</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:02:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/awesome-group/First trip of the season http://patagonicas.com/first-trip-of-the-season/
<p>With a truly international team of five climbers and two guides, we launched our first Aconcagua expedition of the 2010-2011 season yesterday!</p>
<p>The US, Norway, Ireland, Australia and Argentina are the nationalities represented in the team. Guides Mike Bradley (Colorado, US) and Rolo Abaca (Mendoza, Argentina), are in charge of this first trip, via the Ameghino Route. <br /> <br />They had a day to relax in Mendoza, where the climbers enjoyed the local Hyatt and dinner at a fine steak restaurant, did their gear check, got the climbing permit and participated in the group meeting. (See picture).<br /> <br />Then the team rode the three hours into the Andes to get to Penitentes, the small ski resort from where we begin the hike in to base camp. There they met the gentle and sophisticated creatures called mules (kidding, they are mean, tough, wild and stubborn animals), spent one night to gradually acclimatize to altitude, and finally began the hike in today.<br /> <br />They are going to be at base camp Plaza Argentina by Wednesday, if everything goes ok. I will be reporting their progress from the office in Mendoza, every two or three days (or every time I get sat phone calls from Mike). <br /> <br />More news from the mountain coming soon...<br />Nicol&aacute;s</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:40:19 -0300http://patagonicas.com/first-trip-of-the-season/Team success: summit! - Dispatch 5http://patagonicas.com/team-success-summit-dispatch/
<p><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse;"> </span></p>
<div>We are proud to inform that the team got to the summit of Mt Aconcagua yesterday! (Saturday). Seven climbers and three guides stood there at 6962m -22,834 ft-, at the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere. They are all well and completed the traverse to Plaza de Mulas (the Normal route base camp) today. Guide Mike Bradley told me that they felt the earthquake that affected Chile, some four hours before they left High camp for the summit. "It wasn&acute;t a big deal here", said Mike over the sat phone. We are expecting the team to be back in Mendoza by March 2nd. Here we will celebrate with steaks and Malbec red wine. This is the last trip of the season. This was a tough summer in Aconcagua, due to extremely bad weather, so this big team success comes as an awesome way to put an end to the season. Congratulations to all the climbers and guides!</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</div>
<div>AP Mendoza<br /><br /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:40:58 -0300http://patagonicas.com/team-success-summit-dispatch/High camp - dispatch 4http://patagonicas.com/high-camp-2/
<p>The team is moving to the 6,000m frontier tomorrow! They will move to high camp, or Colera, which is at 6,000m or 19,685 ft. Everyone is fine up there, Mike said. They plan to go for the summit on Saturday -the best day according to the weather forecast. We keep our fingers crossed for a beautiful summit day. I atach a picture of high camp -life is slow there, you think it twice before moving! Regards form Mendoza</p>
<p><br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:16:21 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-camp-2/Camp I - dispatch 3http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-dispatch/
<p>After resting in base camp, the team moved succesfully to Camp I. There they will begin the high altitude acclimatization process, by doing carries of common gear and food to Camp II, above 5,000m. Mike said averyone is fine. One climber who wasn&acute;t acclimatizating well enough, so he stayed at base camp one more day, to see if he could continue with the climb. I will keep you posted. Regards, Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:25:00 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-i-dispatch/Resting at base camphttp://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp/
<p>The expedition made it to base camp Plaza Argentina (14,000ft approx) yesterday. All climbers are guides are ok and enjoying a rest day. During the hike-in they shared an "asado criollo" -gaucho barbecue- with the muleteers. The group also had a nice view of the Polish Glacier (picture), from the trail. Leading guide Mike Bradley takes the time to call me every night from his sat phone -thank you Mike I appreciate it!- He says the group is awesome and weather is fine so far. I attach a picture of the East side of Aconcagua, as seen from the trail, with the Polish Glacier in the back.</p>
<p>Regards from Mendoza!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a AP Mendoza</p>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:07:49 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-base-camp/Hiking to base camphttp://patagonicas.com/hiking-to-base-camp/
<p>A group of nine climbers and three guides left Penitentes (small ski resort close to Mt Aconcagua) yesterday. They began their three day hike in to Plaza Argentina (14,000 ft aprox), the Ameghino route base camp. Mike Bradley (US) is the leading guide, and Augusto Ortega (Per&uacute;) and Eliana Caama&ntilde;o (Argentina) are the other guides. The climbers are from places ranging from Dubai to Colorado. Due to the snow stroms in the US, getting the team together in Mendoza was a logistic challenge! But all the mountaineers finally got to enjoy a night at the Mendoza Park Hyatt and a welcoming dinner. Then they all got together in Penitentes (picture) and by the time they hitted the trail they were a solid team, Mike reported via sat phone today. I will be sending dispatches to keep you updated.</p>
<p><strong>Regards from Mendoza<br /></strong>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:49:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/hiking-to-base-camp/Summit! - Dispatch 4http://patagonicas.com/summit-dispatch/
<p>Five climbers and three guides summited today. Congratulations to all the team, that made this achievement possible. The whole group is happy at High Camp now. They started the day very early, with strong winds, but kept on going. Sometime after noon they got to the 22,834 summit, the highest point in the Americas! Thy descended safely to High Camp, where they will spend the night. Tomorrow they will go down by the other side of the mountain, to the base camp of the normal route (Plaza de Mulas). On sunday they will complete the trek to the trailhead, and they will sleep at the lodge in Penitentes. They will be back to Mendoza on Monday, to celebrate. Great team work!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:00:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-dispatch/High camphttp://patagonicas.com/high-camp/
<p>Guide Jacob and the team are moving to High Camp tomorrow, and they will go for the top on Friday. They are now at Chopper camp, or Camp II (18,000 ft). Everyone is fine and the weather forecast shows excellent days ahead. High Camp is at 6000m (19,685 ft). It is a rocky plateau, where some white boulders give some protection from the high winds. The place it's also called White Rocks or Colera Camp. ON summit day, the team will face a cold walk in the morning, before sunrise, with headlamps on and zippered parkas. But then the sun will comfort them and reveal an awesome landscape. I will be updating the information more often now, in the final stage of the climb. Regards from Mendoza<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:02:49 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-camp/Back to the cityhttp://patagonicas.com/back-to-the-city/
<p>The eight climbers and three guides made it back to Mendoza today. They spent a very bad night at high camp, where 90 km per hour winds made it very dangerous to try the summit. So the entire team decided to complete the traverse of the Aconcagua massif: they went from High camp to the normal route base camp, Plaza de Mulas, and then hiked to the normal route trailhead, Horcones. They celebrated yesterday with huge steaks at Don Mario (a fine restaurant). The group was tired but happy, and in spite of the weather they accomplished a great trip. Congratulations!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:00:40 -0300http://patagonicas.com/back-to-the-city/Base camphttp://patagonicas.com/base-camp/
<p>The team made it to base camp successfully. They completed the 3-day trek to Plaza Argentina (4200m), and are having a rest day there. The climbers and the guides are fine. It is a little windy, but they are still low to worry about the weather. They had some awesome views from the trail. I attach a picture (from a previous trip) of the East side of the mountain, from the campsite Casa de Piedra. You can see the Polish Glacier in the back. Next step for the team is to begin the acclimatization process to higher altitudes. They do this by "climbing high and sleeping low", this is spending some days carrying gear and food to the higher camps, then spending the night in the lower camps. I will be updating the dispatches as Jacob calls me. Until then! <br />Nicolas Garcia<br />AP Mendoza</p>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:25:03 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp/Beyond 5000 mhttp://patagonicas.com/beyond-5000-m/
<p>Wesley and the team are ok at Chopper camp, or camp II. Altitude is 5400m. They took a rest day there and will do a carry of gear and food to High Camp, which is at 6,000m. So they are entering the high regions of the world! Everyone is fine, weather is a little windy but clear skies. I will keep you informed of their progress -if the guides call me from their sat phone. There goes a picture from a previous trip. Regards.<br />Nicolas Garcia<br />AP Mendoza</p>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:19:29 -0300http://patagonicas.com/beyond-5000-m/Acclimatizationhttp://patagonicas.com/acclimatization/
<p>
<p>This update is to let you know that the group left the good life at base camp to face the higher camps in the hill. No more haute cuisine... They are carrying gear and food to Camp II (17.800 ft), and getting used to the 5,000m and 6,000 m thin air. The team is fine and weather looks good. I attach a picture of the place (from a previous trip). I will be posting more details soon. Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<div><br /></div>
</p>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:53:27 -0300http://patagonicas.com/acclimatization/Summit! http://patagonicas.com/summit-4/
<p>
<p>The climbers and their guides made it to the highest point in the world outside of the Himalayas, the top of Mt Aconcagua. Four of the clients got to the 22,834 summit. Everyone came back to high camp extremely tired, but happy.</p>
<p>Then yesterday they completed the circumvalation of the masif, as they went down by the normal route, that leads to base camp Plaza de Mulas. &nbsp;Today they will trek to the trailhead, and spend the night at P&ecirc;nitentes, a lodge with showers, coffee, beer, tv; new things after so many days in the wild.</p>
<p>We will welcome the climbers in Mendoza tomorrow, for a good celebration dinner. Congratulations to guide Mike Bradley and to the team!</p>
<p>I atach a p&igrave;cture of the Canaleta, the final gully before the summit.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<div><br /></div>
</p>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:51:35 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-4/A new Aconcagua adventure beganhttp://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-adventure-began/
<p>
<p>Nine climbers and three guides met at the Mendoza Hyatt last Saturday. They went from complete strangers to a smooth team in just 24 hour, which is awesome, and headed towards a a lifetime experience in Mt Aconcagua, People from such different corners of the world as Letonia, Oman, England, Macedonia and the US will be family to each other for more than two weeks; 12 individuals pursuing a unique goal in a hostile environment. It is always moving to see them get on the van, after the group picture, and leave to the big mountain. From Mendoza, we will keep you relatives, friends, colleagues and jealous rivals informed of their progress in the slopes. The first stage of the climb has been completed: jet lag, gear check, paperwork (climbing permit fees), welcoming dinner -with ith 4 (or was it 5) bottles of Malbec wine from Mendoza, transfer to the small ski resort that we use as logistic base in Aconcagua. Tomorrow (Monday) begins the 3-day hike in to base camp. But we&acute;ll get to that in due time. Regards from the Andes!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mandoza</p>
<div><br /></div>
</p>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:48:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/a-new-aconcagua-adventure-began/Resting at Plaza Argentina http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-plaza-argentina/
<p>
<p>Wes and the team got to base camp yesterday and are having a rest day today. They completed the 3-day hike in as scheduled -big asado (barbecue) and awesome views included-. Everyone is fine. They will start carrying gear to higher camps tomorrow. Plaza Argentina is at 13,800 ft. it has big dining tents, a fine cook and it's almost a small tent's village. I attach pictures of the place. I will be updating dispatches as Wes calls me from his sat phone. Regards!</p>
<p><img class="left" src="http://patagonicas.com/assets/Uploads/_resampled/ResizedImage600399-PzaArg.jpg" alt="plaza argentina" width="600" height="399" title="" /></p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<div><br /></div>
</p>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:23:57 -0300http://patagonicas.com/resting-at-plaza-argentina/High regionshttp://patagonicas.com/high-regions-2/
<p>
<p>The team is moving to the high regions of the mountain today. They will move from the Chopper Camp (Camp II, 17,800 ft) to High Camp (6,000 m- 19,685 ft). Everyone is fine! The guides and climbers will decide tonight if they go for the summit tomorrow or in Saturday. It is the key stage of the climb, and where the skills and leadership of AP guides makes a difference. Weather forecast shows clear days and no strong winds for some days. I will pass the news as soon as they come from the mountain! I attach a picture from a previous trip.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div><br /></div>
</p>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:47:37 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-regions-2/Off the mountainhttp://patagonicas.com/off-the-mountain/
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The team completed the Aconcagua traverse, by descending from the summit via the Normal route. In their way down they launched the more challenging and risky stage of the trip: the chain of celebration dinners, starting at base camp Plaza de Mulas (picture) yesterday, followed by the one planned for today at Los Penitentes (the lodge close to the trailhead), and still one more party here in Mendoza, scheduled for Monday. Again, congratulations to all of them.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza&nbsp;</p>
<div><br /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:48:05 -0300http://patagonicas.com/off-the-mountain/Towards the mountain http://patagonicas.com/towards-the-mountain-2/
<p>
<p>A new adventure began! The 9 climbers and three guides of our number 12 expedition of this season left the city of Mendoza today. After recovering from jet lag with a massive dose of steak &amp; red wine and 24 hours at the Park Hyatt hotel, they headed towards Aconcagua Mt. They will sleep in a lodge in Los Penitentes, a small ski resort 3 miles from the trailhead, and on Monday they will start the 3-day hike in to base camp. Plaza Argentina (13,800 ft) is the name of the Ameghino route base camp. Guide Wesley Bunch, a Jackson Hole guide with many Aconcagua seasons in his pack, is leading the trip. Pablo Borja, from Venezuela, and local guide Emiliano Poletti, complete the team.</p>
<p>I will be posting information as the group moves up the slopes and they call me from their sat phone. It The weather forecast for the mountain looks good, while it is so hot in Mendoza that the buildings are melting and the trees take turns to shade each other! Regards.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<div><br /></div>
</p>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:46:17 -0300http://patagonicas.com/towards-the-mountain-2/Patience game http://patagonicas.com/patience-game/
<p>
<p>The expedition is at Camp I, waiting for the weather to improve before they move up the mountain. It has been snowy the last days, but without wind and according to the weather forecast the upper regions of Aconcagua are clearer now. They did their carry to Camp II, also called the Chopper camp. Everyone feels fine! I will give you more details as Mike calls me. I atach a picture of Aconcagua by Mike, from last season. Regards</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<div><br /></div>
</p>Sat, 23 Jan 2010 20:34:26 -0300http://patagonicas.com/patience-game/Working up the slopes http://patagonicas.com/working-up-the-slopes/
<p>
<p>The expedition led by Mike Bradley is doing well up the mountain. They completed the hike in exactly as scheduled -with some good views of the Polish Glacier (picture)- included-. The 11 climbers and 3 guides rested at base camp Plaza Argentina (13,800 ft) for a day, then did a arry of gear to camp I. They had a minor issue with the sat phone, and that is why we did not send a dispatch before. Mike says everyone is fine and that motivation is high. "We are working as a solid team by now", he told me over the sat phone. This stage of the climb is very important, because it is when the climbers complete the acclimatization process. They do that by progressing up the mountain step by step: doing carries to higher altitudes, then sleeping at lower altitude, and just then moving to the next camp, where they rest, carry again, then move up. Patience is the key.</p>
<p>I will send more updates as they call me. Regards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div><br /></div>
</p>Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:37:27 -0300http://patagonicas.com/working-up-the-slopes/BIG team success! http://patagonicas.com/big-team-success/
<p>8 climbers&nbsp;and three guides made it to the 22,834 ft summit&nbsp;the highest spot in the whole hemisphere and the highest mountain in the World outside the Himalayas. Guide Jacob called from High Camp when they returned. Everyone was tired but deeply happy. Now they will complete the traverse of the mountain, by going down by another side of the mountain. They will descend to the Normal route base camp, Plaza de Mulas, tomorrow. Then they will trek to the trailhead on Sunday, spend one night in the lodge there and come back to Mendoza on Monday. We are very proud of this huge team effort and look forward to share a good steak (and wine) with them. I attach a pic of the summit (from last season), so you can share the emotion. I will still send one more update when they et out of the mountain. Until then!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<div><br /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:32:11 -0300http://patagonicas.com/big-team-success/Carry to 6000m- the final stage is on its wayhttp://patagonicas.com/carry-to-6000m-the-final-stage-is-on-its-way/
<p>The expedition is doing great! They move as a solid team and are highly motivated, according to the report we just received from Jacob. They are resting at Camp II "Chopper Camp" now, at 17,700 ft. The group has already experimented real high altitude; they made a carry of gear and food to High Camp, the "Colera Camp", which is at 6000m (19,685 ft). The 8 remaining climbers (one person was not acclimatizing well and had to remain at lower altitude) and three guides are super strong, says Jacob. They plan to move to High Camp tomorrow and go for the summit on Friday or Saurday. Weather forecast is good for both days. I attach a picture (from a previous trip) of High Camp. Keep your fingers crossed and wait for more dispatches...</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:08:07 -0300http://patagonicas.com/carry-to-6000m-the-final-stage-is-on-its-way/Chopper camphttp://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-2/
<p>Hola a todos,</p>
<p>Jacob "the Boss" Schmidtz called from his sat phone. The group is at CII, called "the chopper camp",at 18.000 ft approx. "Everyone is perfecto, it&acute;s a pretty strong team", were his words.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>They will do a carry to CIII, then rest for one day. Then go for the final push. I am attaching a pic of CII. At that altitude you really get a taste of this big mountain, as wind and cold and of course altitude show their power. Bu it is also where the most awesome landscape, clear skies of the purest blue, and the real dimensions of the place appear. And when the leadership and knowledge of the guides provide the safety margin that we are proud of.</p>
<p>I will post news soon, stay tuned...</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:06:01 -0300http://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp-2/Summit and Polish Glacier climbed-100% successhttp://patagonicas.com/summit-and-polish-glacier-climbed-100-success/
<p>All the climbers and guides made it to the 22,841 ft top of Mt Aconcagua, by the technical Polish Glacier route. This is an outstanding achievement, because everyone completed absolutely all the goals: to enjoy a safe and solid expedition, to climb the mountain all the way to the summit and to do it by a demanding route, the East side glacier. Special congratulations to climbers Mike Danaher, Patrick Flynn, Christopher Howard and James Watson, and to the guide Martin Molina. It is demanding to handle roped climbing at that altitude. I am attaching pictures of the glacier, from a previous trip, so you can see the place. Also a nice picture of the summit ridge. The group is coming back to Mendoza tomorrow. Regards.<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:18:31 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-and-polish-glacier-climbed-100-success/Summit!!!http://patagonicas.com/summit-3/
<p>Three climbers and guide Cacho Beiza got to the summit yesterday! I do not have the names yet. As important, or more, than the summit, it&acute;s the fact that all 10 climbers made it to high camp (6000m!) as a solid group and will complete the Aconcagua traverse. Leading guide Mar&iacute;a Jos&eacute; is happy and says this is an excellent expedition so far. The group is now going down to the Normal Route base camp, Plaza de Mulas (13,950 ft). THey will get to the trailhead tomorrow (Tuesday) and should be back in Mendoza by Wednesday. Congratulations to all!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:52:37 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-3/The trip is onhttp://patagonicas.com/the-trip-is-on/
<p>Eleven climbers and three guides began a new Aconcagua adventure yesterday. They left Mendoza well rested and well fed (thanks to the combination of the Park Hyatt's luxuries, Argentinian steak and plenty of Malbec red wine). A solid group, as you can see in the pictures, they heades towards Los Penitentes yesterday and began the hike in today. Los Penitentes is a small ski resort, used in summer as starting point for Aconcagua expeditions. The altitude is 8,860 ft. The three-day hike in ends in base camp Plaza Argentina (13,780 ft).The leading guide is Mike Bradley, a seasoned guide based in Colorado. Augusto Ortega (from Per&uacute;, with just 53 Aconcagua summits!) and local credit Eliana Caama&ntilde;o complete the guiding team. The climbers are: Trent Evink, Jeff Westerfield, Crl Linden, Zaheer Carolia, Alison Spencer, Warren Hynes, Ryan Crago, Amalia Franceschini, Richard "Dick" Field, Wui Kin Chin and Matthew Gabriele.</p>
<div class="image left"><img src="http://patagonicas.com/assets/Uploads/_resampled/ResizedImage734550-Captura-de-pantalla-2010-01-18-a-las-10.44.26.png" alt="expedition" width="734" height="550" title="" /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I will be updating information as these guys call me from their sat phone. Greetings from Mendoza! (37 Celcius degrees and so dry).</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:41:17 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-trip-is-on/Rest day at Plaza Argentinahttp://patagonicas.com/rest-day-at-plaza-argentina/
<p>
<p>The team completed the hike in beautifully. I just received a sat phone call from guide Jacob "the Boss" Schmidt. "Everything is perfect" were his words -as usual-. The trail to base camp Plaza Argentina (13,450 ft) has some imposing views. Here is a picture of the trail (from a previous trip). The group will do a carry to camp I tomorrow. I will keep you posted. Regards,</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div><br /></div>
</p>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:40:59 -0300http://patagonicas.com/rest-day-at-plaza-argentina/Approaching the glacierhttp://patagonicas.com/approaching-the-glacier/
<p>
<p>Guide Mart&iacute;n and the climbers are at base camp now, and they will move to Camp I on the Polish Glacier route tomorrow. All 4 climbers feel strong and are well rested and fed. We hope the weather and the glacier conditions stay good, so thy can keep their steady progress. I will send detailed updates as they gain altitude. I attach a picture of the way to Camp I, from a previous season.</p>
<p>Regards,</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
</p>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:34:03 -0300http://patagonicas.com/approaching-the-glacier/towards Camp IIhttp://patagonicas.com/towards-camp-ii/
<p>
<p>The team is in great shape! Everyone is ok and motivated. After some acclimatization and carries up the slopes, the expedition is facing the high regions. They will move to Camp II -called the Chopper camp- tomorrow. The altitude of this campsite is 17,800 ft. Then it is up to the guides and the team to decide their strategy for the summit push. We will keep you informed. I am uploading a pic from a previous trip. Regrads,</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<div><br /></div>
</p>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:32:19 -0300http://patagonicas.com/towards-camp-ii/Back in townhttp://patagonicas.com/back-in-town/
<p>
<p>After two brave summit atempts, the group completed the Aconcagua traverse and came back to Mendoza yersterday. They tried the summit twice from High Camp, but the intense cold and wind made it unsafe to push on. "We saw climbers going down with their noses white as that wall", one AP climber told us. The group did complete the traverse, which means they did both sides of the mountain. Then we had a solid Argentinean meat and red wine dinner last night. Everyone is ok and it was a great group. Congratulations to them!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<div><br /></div>
</p>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:29:48 -0300http://patagonicas.com/back-in-town/Hike in to base camp - Dispatch 1http://patagonicas.com/hike-in-to-base-camp-dispatch/
<p>The expedition began the 3-day hike in to base camp today. Before that, the nine climbers and three guides shared a meeting and a welcoming diner in<br />Mendoza, and then a night at Penitentes (small ski resort located at 2700m, some 4 miles from the trailhead). Expert guide Jacob Schmidt is leading, Alaskan Forrest Wagner and Patagonian Fermin Avila complete the guiding team. We celebrated Forrest 29th birthday the night before they left, and he got good local Malbec wines as a present fom clients of his last trip! I attach a pic of Forrest and one of the team, at the Mendoza Hyatt before leaving (still looking well...)<br />Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:50:21 -0300http://patagonicas.com/hike-in-to-base-camp-dispatch/View of the Polish Glacier - Dispatch 2http://patagonicas.com/view-of-the-polish-glacier-dispatch/
<p>The 4 climbers guided by Mart&iacute;n are well and resting at base camp. To get there, they hiked for three days in the scenic Vacas and Relinchos valleys. From the campsite Casa de Piedra they could spot their goal, the Polish Glacier (picture). This glaciar tongue runs down the East face of Aconcagua, and it is a route of medium technical difficulty. It was opened in 1934 by a very tough group of Polish climbers.<br />Base Camp Plaza Argentina (13,940 ft) has dining tents, cook, beer, etc; it is an intermediate step between the urban life and the tent life!<br />I will send more information as the team progresses up the slopes. Until then!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:02:51 -0300http://patagonicas.com/view-of-the-polish-glacier-dispatch/Rest day at Base Camp - Dispatch 2http://patagonicas.com/rest-day-at-base-camp-dispatch/
<p>The team completed succesfully the hike in yesterday. They are having a rest day today. In the approximation trek they got to see one of the most spectacular views of Aconcagua, the Polish Glacier (East Face). The Ameghino Valley route, which all Aventuras Patagonicas expeditions take, presents many advantages: it is less crowded than the Normal route, it has more wildlife and it allows for better acclimatization.<br />The group is ok and enjoying the comforts of base camp, at 4200 m. I attach a picture of the trek, taken last season. I<br />Regards, Nicol&aacute;s<br />&nbsp;<br />Nicolas Garcia / Aconcagua Operations Manager</p>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:01:44 -0300http://patagonicas.com/rest-day-at-base-camp-dispatch/Big day tomorrow - Dispatch 4http://patagonicas.com/big-day-tomorrow-dispatch/
<p>Before the sun rises, the team is going to leave the warmth of the sleeping bags, force some tea into their stomachs and face the hostile atmosphere of the 6.000m high camp. Even before that, the guides will be ready, melting snow and preparing everything for the summit push. Then it is one or two hours of really cold walking, usually in silence, with headlamps on, and every part of the body covered. But then the sun goes up, warming climbers and revealing the awesome landscape around. THen is the roof of this hemisphere! -highest hill in the world outside the Himalayas-.<br />Seven of the climbers will try the summit with guide Calvin. I attach a previous picture so you can see the place. I will write with news tomorrow!<br />Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:09:28 -0300http://patagonicas.com/big-day-tomorrow-dispatch/Carry to high camphttp://patagonicas.com/carry-to-high-camp/
<p>The climbers and the 4 guides -Calvin, Eliana, Marco and Marian- are in Camp II, the Chopper Camp (17700 ft). They are having a rest day now, after some windy days (and nights) . Tomorrow they will do a carry of gear and food to High Camp. This means they will get to 6000 meters! (19,685 ft). After this comes the move to high camp to sleep, and try the summit next day. But it all depends on the group condition, the weather and the guides' desitions up there. I will track their progress and keep you posted. Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:09:26 -0300http://patagonicas.com/carry-to-high-camp/Towards the mountainhttp://patagonicas.com/towards-the-mountain/
<p>Climbers Mike Danaher, Patrick "Steve" Flynn, Christopher Howard and James "Dan" Watson and guide Mart&iacute;n Molina left for Mt Aconcagua yesterday. After a night in a lodge at the foot of the mountain, they began the hike in to base camp today. They will have an "asado" -barbecue- gaucho style tonight, in the trail. The approximation trek has some very nice views of their target, the Polish Glacier route. This looks like a strong team! We will be updating the information as we recieve calls from the mountain, via sat phone. We also haved radio communication with base camp (Plaza Argentina). I attach a picture of the group, just before leaving Mendoza. Regards,<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:04:38 -0300http://patagonicas.com/towards-the-mountain/City behind - mountain aheadhttp://patagonicas.com/city-behind-mountain-ahead/
<p>After a couple of busy days dealing with planes, hotels, permits and minor hang overs due to Mendoza's red wines, the expedition finally headed towards the Andes. The 10 climbers and 3 guides spent last night in a lodge, located close to Mt Aconcagua Park. They began their hike in today. It's going to take them 3 days to reach base camp Plaza Argentina. The trailhead is at 8,800 ft and base camp is at 13,940 ft. I attach a picture of the group before leaving Mendoza. Mar&iacute;a Jos&eacute; Mois&eacute;s, a talented rock climber and high mountain guide from Mendoza, is the leading guide. Her team is completed with Larry Holmgreen, from Alaska, and Cacho Beiza, a seasoned Argentinian guide. We will be posting disptaches as the guides call me from their sat phone. Regards,<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a AP Mendoza</p>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:55:16 -0300http://patagonicas.com/city-behind-mountain-ahead/Summit day!http://patagonicas.com/summit-day-2/
<p>The expedition got to the summit today! Guide Wesley and three climbers took advantage of the good weather window and stood in the highest point in the world outside of the Himalayas, the summit of Mt Aconcagua (22,841 ft). They got to high camp very tired but very happy.<br />Then tomorrow (Monday) they will complete the circumvalation of the masif, desdending from the mountain by a different route.<br />They will trek to the trailhead on Tuesday, then spend the night at Penitentes, a lodge with showers, coffee, beer, tv; new things after so many days in the wild.<br />We will welcome the climbers in Mendoza by Wednesday. Congratulations!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:08:15 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-day-2/Summit!http://patagonicas.com/summit-2/
<p>Congratulations to the team of climbers, who summited today under the snowfall! Eight climbers and two guides stood in the highest point of the Western Hemisphere, at 22,841 ft. They left early this morning from High camp, and went all the way to complete a 1,000m climb. I received a short phone call from Jacob. He says everyone is ok and safe, back in the camp and really tired. I will post more details tomorrow. It has been a great achievement in a tough season. The picture is from a previous trip.<br />Regars, <br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:06:27 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-2/Back in Mendozahttp://patagonicas.com/back-in-mendoza/
<p>Happy New Year! The climbers and the guides celebrated New Year with a big dinner in Mendoza last night. They arrived to the city yesterday, after their Mt Aconcagua traverse. "The group is very good, we had a great experience", said lead guide Mike Bradley. "We agreed not to stay at high camp and go for the summit because of the high winds, but doing the traverse instead. It was the right thing to do", Mike told me. Everyone is heading back home now. So this is the last update of group AP#4. Thanks for reading and have a good 2010! I attach a picture of the summit ridge, taken by Mike two seasons before. Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:59:17 -0300http://patagonicas.com/back-in-mendoza/New Year at Camp IIhttp://patagonicas.com/new-year-at-camp-ii/
<p>Happy New Year to all! The expedition led by guide Wes Bunch had a high party yesterday -at almost 18,000 ft in Camp II, the "Chopper Camp". The climbers and the guides are ok and motivated. They are carrying gear and food to Camp III today -which means they will reach 6,000 m (19,685 ft)! It has been windy these days, but it appears to be a calm weather window thet they can take advantage of. One way or the other, the final stage of the climb is on its way now. I will keep you posted, every time Wes calls me from his sat phone. I attach a picture from a previuos trip. Regards from Mendoza!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:57:42 -0300http://patagonicas.com/new-year-at-camp-ii/New Year at 18,000fthttp://patagonicas.com/new-year-at-18-000ft/
<p>Happy New Year! Your relatives, friends, loved ones, etc, who are climbing with us, experienced a high New Year evening: they celebrated with a small but rather emotive party at almost 18.000ft (Camp II). Guide JAcob called from his sat phone yesterday. He said they were having a "snowy New Year", and that everyone was well and happy. Before that, they did a carry of gear and food to Camp III, which means they reached 6000m (19,685ft)! The group also decided to try the summit via the Normal route, and not the Polish Glacier. Jacob is confident that everyone will reach the summit. They will move to&nbsp; Camp III today, and might try the summit tomorrow or Sunday. I will let you know as they call me! The picture is Camp III, from a previous trip. Regards<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:55:28 -0300http://patagonicas.com/new-year-at-18-000ft/New Year Party at Plaza Argentinahttp://patagonicas.com/new-year-party-at-plaza-argentina/
<p>Hello and happy new year to all.&nbsp; Guide Calvin Herbert called us last night, as his group was getting ready for a New Year party in base camp Plaza Argentina, at 13,900 ft. "Everyone is well and strong, and we have perfect weather", said Calvin. The hike in was completed as scheduled. During the 3 day trek they had a view of the imposing East face of Mt Aconcagua (picture, from a previous trip). lude the names of the climbers, as request by some of them: Deri Llewellyn-davies; Laurence Hanusa; Laurence Hanly; John Elfers; Sean Haywood; Jonas Classon; Andrew Jaquays: Huimin du (Cindy); Edward Piwowarski; Dane Zehrung; Martin Shetter.&nbsp; <br />They will be doing a gear and food carry to Camp I today, so they will touch the 5,000 m zone. I will send you more information as they call me! Regards from Mendoza.<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:52:35 -0300http://patagonicas.com/new-year-party-at-plaza-argentina/Move to Camp II http://patagonicas.com/move-to-camp-ii/
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>After a successful acclimatization at lower altitudes, the team is moving between Camp i and Camp II, called the Chopper Camp, above 5000 m (16400 ft). They did a carry of gear to Camp II and are moving there probably tomorrow, for the final stage of the climb! They are ok and motivated. Weather has been windy but it`s improving. I am sending a picture of the 5000 m zone, from a previous trip.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
<div><br /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:31:30 -0300http://patagonicas.com/move-to-camp-ii/High regionshttp://patagonicas.com/high-regions/
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Guide Jacob and the team are ok at Camp I, and moving to camp II probably tomorrow. They had a rest day today. There are strong winds in the mountain but it seems it will improve by the time they get to the high regions -the 6000m zone-. The team is strong and the plan is to go to High Camp (also called White Rocks or Colera), at 19,680 ft, and from there to the summit via the Polish Glacier. Then they plan to come back to High Camp to spend the night, and in the next day they will go down the other side of the mountain, to the Plaza de Mulas base camp. I will write an update when I have more information. Regards,</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza&nbsp;</p>
<div><br /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:22:52 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-regions/Last stage - Dispatch 3http://patagonicas.com/last-stage-dispatch/
<p>Mike and the climbers are facing the final push tomorrow. They are at Camp II -Chopper Camp- now, and will move to High Camp tomorrow. This means they are going to be positioned at 6000 meters (19,680 ft), and ready to go for the 22,841 ft summit. The group is higly motivated. I will keep you posted!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:25:09 -0300http://patagonicas.com/last-stage-dispatch/Good starthttp://patagonicas.com/good-start/
<p>
<p>The 12 climbers and 4 guides of this expedition left Mendoza today. After a team meeting and a steak dinner yesterday, they bought their climbing permits today and left in two vans. They completed the 3 hour scenic ride to Los Penitentes (small ski resort at the foot of Mt Aconcagua), and will sleep in the lodge there. The group will begin the hike in tomorrow. It will take them 3 days to reach base camp (Plaza Argentina, 4250m). Tomorrow night they will share a barbecue with our gauchos (the muleteers who handle the load mules). Here is a pic of the group before leaving -while they still look (and smell) good-. I will be sending you all the news of this expedition, every time leading guide Calvin Herbert calls me from his sat phone. Regards from Mendoza!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
</p>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:14:50 -0300http://patagonicas.com/good-start/Meet the Polish Glacierhttp://patagonicas.com/meet-the-polish-glacier/
<p>Yesterday the climbers had their very first contact with the goal of their climb, The Polish Glacier. It was from the trek to base camp, in Casa de Piedra. This part of the hike in offers an awesome sight of the long glaciar tongue known as Polish Glacier (picture), in the East face of Aconcagua. It was a Polish team who first climbed this wall in 1934, the first technical route to be opened in this mountain. Nowadays it is a world classic glacier climb in high altitude.</p>
<p><br />Back to our expedition, the group is now resting in base camp Plaza Argentina (4250m), where they will have a Christmas celebration tomorrow. Everyone is fine. I will write an update when they call me from the sat phone and give me more news. To those who celebrate it, have a Merry Christmas.<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:16:37 -0300http://patagonicas.com/meet-the-polish-glacier/Christmas at base camphttp://patagonicas.com/christmas-at-base-camp/
<p>The group arrived safely to base camp Plaza Argentina (4250m) today. In the hike in the had a good view of the East side of Aconcagua, with the imposing Polish Glacier (picture). The team is higly motivated. Tomorrow it's going to be a rest day and they will have salmon for dinner! Base camp manager Susy has everything ready for a nice Christmas dinner. Here in Mendoza (a mere 750 m above sea level) we will make a toast to the climbers! Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:07:16 -0300http://patagonicas.com/christmas-at-base-camp/Hike inhttp://patagonicas.com/hike-in/
<p>The climbers began their aproximation trek this morning. All urban stress left behind (jet lag, climbing permits, gear checks, transfers), three days of awesome scenery ahead. The trailhead is Punta de Vacas, an old railroad station. From this point the arrieros (muleteers) used to take live cattle to Chile across the Andes, hence the name "Punta de Vacas", something like cow's point. It is at 9150 ft. Base camp Plaza Argentina is at 13950 ft. I am including the names of the climbers, so their relatives, friends, jealous rivals, etc, can keep track of their progress. They are: William Birdzell, Chase Franklin, Brian Osoro, Jennifer Andre, Tim Dryna, Adam Hodge, Jay Lowry, Richard&nbsp; Agnew, Jennifer Zinck, Margaret St Hill and Marc Lewinstein. Good climb to all of them! I attach pictures of the group, having massive doses of steak and Malbec red wine (with AP Director Rodrigo Mujica), and posing in the Hyatt before leaving.<br />Regards,<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:15:33 -0300http://patagonicas.com/hike-in/On the trailhttp://patagonicas.com/on-the-trail-2/
<p>The expedition finally took off. The 10 climbers (one person had to pospone the trip for working reasons) and 3 guides set foot in the trail today. With an excellent weather forecast for the next 5-6 days, they shouldered their light packs and began the 3 days hike in to base camp. (Mules get to do the bad part of the job, with 60 kg in their backs). They will have an "asado criollo" -Gaucho barbecue- tonight, at the Pampa de Le&ntilde;as campsite. One of the climbers asked me to include their names in this dispatches, so relatives will know where their loved ones are. The climbers are: Bill Whiteman, Micheael Whiteman, Landon Robinson, Logan Robinson, Clark Kopelman, Youssef Radwan, Miriam Rack, Jon Garrood, Mathew Chernin and Phil Chernin.<br />As yo can see, there are three father and son teams in this trip! Which is wonderful. I attach a picture of the trail, from a previous trip.<br />More news as they come in from the sat phone!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:14:14 -0300http://patagonicas.com/on-the-trail-2/expedition has already beganhttp://patagonicas.com/expedition-has-already-began/
<p>The expedition has already began the up and down process of acclimatization. They had a rest day at base camp yesterday, and today they are making a carry of food and common gear to Camp 1, so they will cross the 5000m frontier. Then they will go down again (to the luxury of the dining tents and the fine cooking of base camp manager Susy). Tomorrow they will move to Camp 1 to stay there and face the next stage of the climb. They will have a high Chistmas!<br />There goes a picture of the 5000 m range, from a previous trip.<br />I will write more when they call me. Regards!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza<br />Nicolas Garcia / Aconcagua Operations Manager</p>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:12:26 -0300http://patagonicas.com/expedition-has-already-began/Celebration dinnerhttp://patagonicas.com/celebration-dinner/
<p>The group is back in Mendoza. Everyone is tired but happy. They are getting some rest at the Hyatt and will go out tonight for a celebration party in a "finca" (farm), at 13 km from Mendoza. So this will be our last dispatch for this group. Congratulations and Merry Christmas for the climbers and for their relatives, friends, lovers, colleagues and plain courious that followed their Aconcagua experience!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:09:44 -0300http://patagonicas.com/celebration-dinner/Getting readyhttp://patagonicas.com/getting-ready/
<p>
<p>Greetings from Mendoza! Everything is getting ready here for our first Polish Glacier trip of the Aconcagua season. There is a very strong team of guides in this expedition: Jacob Schmidt (picture) is the leading guide, with many Aconcagua summits in his pack, and some 8000m Himalayan peaks too. Augusto Ortega, from Per&uacute;, is the man with more concagua summits in History: 53 times he`s been to the top! He also climbed Everest. Alaskan guide Larry Holmgreen and local credit Ferm&iacute;n Avila -a seasoned Aconcagua porter before becoming a certified guide- complete the team. They are finishing the details and meeting the 12 climbers that will attempt this technical route. The whole group is getting toether tomorrow for a meeting, then for a good solid Argentinean dinner in a well known Mendoza restaurant. I will be sending updates of their progress in the mountain to our website.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Best wishes,&nbsp;</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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</p>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:45:27 -0300http://patagonicas.com/getting-ready/All set for the trip! http://patagonicas.com/all-set-for-the-trip/
<p>
<p>As the 11 climbers slowly come to Mendoza after long hours on planes and airports, the 3 guides -Wesley Bunch, Forest Wagner and Rolo Abaca- are working hard to finish shopping and packing (picture). A day in the comfort of the Park Hyatt hotel should help the climbers to cope with jet lag! Tomorrow they have gear checks, a team meeting and then dinner in a good restaurant. Then on Sunday the climbers will get their Aconcagua permits and head towards the mountain. I will be posting information and following the expedition progress from Mendoza.</p>
<p>Regards, Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a</p>
<p>AP Mendoza</p>
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</p>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:38:44 -0300http://patagonicas.com/all-set-for-the-trip/Summit! http://patagonicas.com/summit/
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a clear and sunny morning, part of the group summited yersterday! They made the push from High Camp (or White Rocks), at 19600 ft, to the top. The summit of Aconcagua, at 22.834 ft, is the highest point in the world outside of the Himalayas. The place has an awesome view, of the sea of smaller peaks around and of the imposing South Face. I don not have the information of who summited yet. But we are all proud that the expeditions succedeed, in a tough season (cold and windy). I will post more news soon! This is a picture of the summit ridge, from a previous trip.</p>
<p>Regards, Nicol&aacute;s</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:32:37 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit/Steak & Malbec before the climbhttp://patagonicas.com/steak-malbec-before-the-climb/
<p>The 4th group of the season completed yesterday their acclimatization to Mendoza's steak and Malbec wine(s). British, American and Australian are the nationalities in the 7 climbers group. There are two father and son teams! Seasoned guide Mike Bradley is in charge, and Mt Rainier guide Andy Kittleson is coguiding. Today they headed towards Los Penitentes. This ski resort, at 2700m, functions in summer as starting point for many expeditions. Tomorrow they will get to the trailhead and begin the hike in to base camp (three days). They will be calling to Mendoza from a sat phone, so I will post more news as they come. Regards!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:51:54 -0300http://patagonicas.com/steak-malbec-before-the-climb/Happy in Mendozahttp://patagonicas.com/happy-in-mendoza/
<p>The private expedition completed the Aconcagua traverse and came down happily to the city today. As with most climbers this though season, the weather made it too dangerous to reach the summit. The AP private expedition accomplished a brave climb, they made it to High Camp and completed the Aconcagua traverse, despite the winds and cold temperatures of previous days. I am sending a picture ot the other side of the mountain, the base camp Plaza de Mulas. They are now in Mendoza having a well deserved rest. Our congratulations to Johny and the guides!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:17:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/happy-in-mendoza/The altitude gamehttp://patagonicas.com/the-altitude-game/
<p><br />The group has left the good life at base camp to face the higher camps in the hill. No more haute cuisine -although Mart&iacute;n and Eliana, the guides, are fine cooks. Camp I is at 16000 ft, still comfortable. Everyone is feeling fine. I will give you more info as they call.<br />&nbsp;<br />Regards from Mendoza! (hot and dry here, kind of windy up there)<br />&nbsp;<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:07:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-altitude-game/Base Camp sweet Base Camp!http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-sweet-base-camp/
<p>After a long day descending from high camp the group is at Base Camp drinking beer and eating Pizza!</p>
<p>They are all excited to be back and enjoying&nbsp; a warm Base Camp, with all is amenities, Chef and comfort <br />Cheers to them!<br /><br />Rodrigo Mujica / AP Director</p>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:57:32 -0300http://patagonicas.com/base-camp-sweet-base-camp/Summit Day!http://patagonicas.com/summit-day/
<p>The team got only 65 meters from the top!! Nine members of this expedition got only 200 feet from the top! What a phenomenal accomplishment with the harsh weather this team has experienced during their climb! This season has been a hard one, so far. Temperatures have been extremely cold for early December. The mountain has finally begun to warm up.</p>
<p><br />We would like to congratulate all Team Members and Guides from this first trip of the season. They made a tremendous effort to get so close, in -30 below temperatures and high winds, several days in a row.&nbsp; We would also like to thank and congratulate Guide Wesley Bunch for his excellent leadership and his solid team Guides as well</p>
<p>Only a handful of climbers have summited Aconcagua this season so far. Summer has arrived late to the Southern Hemisphere, but fortunately it is finally arriving. Aventuras Patagonicas is extremely proud of the way this trip was handled. As I mentioned earlier, it is among one of the toughest trips we have had on the mountain, in our many years of guiding on Aconcagua.</p>
<p>Our tents held up well in the storms, the stoves continued to run hard (thanks to our awesome guides), despite the rough weather conditions. The harsh temperatures and high winds on the mountain early December, caused many teams (not Aventuras Patagonicas teams) to retreat. This team was prepared, enabling them to wait out the weather and make their superb summit attempt during a brief window of good weather, while other teams had long been chased off the mountain by the conditions. <br />We have a team now positioning at Camp 1. They are already getting more reasonable weather than our Nov 28th Expedition endured<br /><br />Happy Climbing and Congratulations again to all climbers on our November 28th Expedition! <br /><br />Best <br /><br />Rodrigo Mujica / AP Director</p>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:51:04 -0300http://patagonicas.com/summit-day/The team moved to High Camphttp://patagonicas.com/the-team-moved-to-high-camp/
<p>&nbsp;Sunday -19600ft-. They face the final stage of the climb, to try the 22.841ft summit of Mt Aconcagua, or to do the Traverse; climb to High Camp, and then go down via the Normal route, the other side of the mountain. I will keep you posted!</p>
<p><br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:43:57 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-team-moved-to-high-camp/High Camp and Summit day tomorrow!http://patagonicas.com/high-camp-and-summit-day-tomorrow/
<p>Big day tomorrow! Wes and the team are in high camp. An euphoric Wes called a minute ago, to say they are THE ONLY ONES THERE (unusual); and that the weather is awesome, as good as the team attitude. Bad weather is over (at least today), and they will try the summit tomorrow. I attach a pic of how it is going to be tomorrow (from last season). High Camp, or White Rocks, is at almost 6000m (19600ft), so they have an almost 1000 meter gain ahead, to reach the 22.841ft summit. This is the highest point in the WEstern Hemisphere!&nbsp; I will post the news tomorrow.</p>
<p><br />Regards,<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:41:46 -0300http://patagonicas.com/high-camp-and-summit-day-tomorrow/Chopper Camphttp://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp/
<p>The group is resting at CII (camp 2), called "<strong>the chopper camp</strong>",at 18.000 ft approx. They will do a carry to High Camp tomorrow. I am attaching a pic of CII. At that altitude you get a taste of this big mountain, as wind and cold and of course altitude show their power. It is also where the most awesome landscape and purest blue skies are enjoyed.</p>
<p><br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:34:03 -0300http://patagonicas.com/chopper-camp/Successful trek to base camphttp://patagonicas.com/successful-trek-to-base-camp/
<p>After hiking the Vacas Valley and the Relinchos Valley, the 6 climbers and 2 guides arrived today to Plaza Argentina (14200 ft). The approximation trek has one of the most spectacular views of the whole mountain, the Polish Glacier (picture from a previous trip).</p>
<p>Everyone is fine and hungry. Our base camp chef, susy, will see to that. Mart&iacute;n (lead guide) promised to send me a picture from a sat phone. I will keep you informed!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:12:11 -0300http://patagonicas.com/successful-trek-to-base-camp/Camp IIhttp://patagonicas.com/camp-ii/
<p>Guide Carlos Liendo just called from his sat phone to say that they are all ok and moving to Camp II. This means they are crossing the 5000 m of altitude, to get to the 18000 ft camp. Although the strong winds of the last days broke one of their tents, Johny and the guides are fine and having a good climb. I attach a picture from a previous trip.<br /><br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br /><br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:55:03 -0300http://patagonicas.com/camp-ii/Progress in the mountainhttp://patagonicas.com/progress-in-the-mountain/
<p>With hard work and motivation, the group is progressing up the slopes. Despite the strong winds and bitter cold of the last days, the climbers and guides are ok at camp II, and waiting for the weather. In fact many seasoned climbers in Aconcagua believe that bad weather in the lower camps is not bad, because it means that it can improve in the altitude days -when it really counts-. The picture of the camp is from a previous expedition. more news as they come!<br /><br />Nicolas Garc&iacute;a<br /><br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:53:24 -0300http://patagonicas.com/progress-in-the-mountain/Good bye Mendozahttp://patagonicas.com/good-bye-mendoza/
<p>In a fresh Sunday morning, the 6 climbers and two guides left the city of Mendoza and headed towards the "Cordillera" -the range-. This is a special trip, since three of the climblers are a familiy: Chet, Shelley (who is celebrating her birthday today) and their son Jackson. The van will take them across three mountain ranges, the Pre Andes, the Frontal Range and the main range, where Aconcagua lies. They will sleep at 2700m today, and so they will begin the acclimatization process. Tomorrow they will start walking, from the trailhead to Pampa de Le&ntilde;as, a campsite where they will share a gaucho barbecue with the arrieros (muleteers). Then they will have two more days to the base camp. I will send an update when they get there. Regards!</p>
<p>Nicolas Garcia<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:48:18 -0300http://patagonicas.com/good-bye-mendoza/Carry to Camp 1http://patagonicas.com/carry-to-camp/
<p>The group is acclimatizing succesfully to high altitude. Today they made their first trip to Camp 1 (aprox 16000 ft), to carry their gear, food and gas. Everything is fine up there.&nbsp; <br /></p>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:12:58 -0300http://patagonicas.com/carry-to-camp/Aventuras Patagonicas 3rd trip of the season is ready to go! http://patagonicas.com/aventuras-patagonicas-3rd-trip-of-the-season-is-ready-to-go/
<p>The 6 climbers and two guides are working hard in Mendoza. They are doing gear checks and packing all the stuff. We will have a solid Argentinean steak dinner tonight, of course with some Malbec red wine since we are in the land of the sun and the wine. Here is a picture of the guides Mart&iacute;n Molina, a master rock climber and UIAGM guide from Mendoza, an Eliana Caama&ntilde;o, a really strong lady from the city of Rosario, in the Pampas, as they prepare the gear in our logistics house.</p>
<p>Tomorrow the team leaves to Penitentes, a small ski resort close to the trailhead, where they will spend one night to start acclimatizing. Then it is a 3-day hike to Plaza Argentina. This is the nice base camp of the East side of Aconcagua. It is the last point where the mules take the loads; from there on, is human power! The group will stay at least 3 more days at base camp (nice dinners by chef Susy Tarditti). Then the altitude game begins. But there will be plenty of dispatches before, as they call me from their sat phone and I deliver the news to you. Until then!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:10:27 -0300http://patagonicas.com/aventuras-patagonicas-3rd-trip-of-the-season-is-ready-to-go/Arrival to Plaza Argentinahttp://patagonicas.com/arrival-to-plaza-argentina/
<p>Climber Johny Bergius and his guides, Carlos Liendo and Larry Holmgreen, are having their well deserved rest day today. They arrived to base camp Plaza Argentina (14.000 ft aprox) yesterday, after a 3-day hike. Everything is fine. "Johny is feeling strong", said Carlos, via sat phone. I will write more when they call. I post a picture of the trail, from a previous expedition, so you can see the place. Regards!&nbsp;</p>
<p><br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza<br />Nicolas Garcia / Aconcagua Operations Manager</p>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:04:01 -0300http://patagonicas.com/arrival-to-plaza-argentina/On the trailhttp://patagonicas.com/on-the-trail/
<p>Johny and his guides hit the trail today.</p>
<p>After seeing that the mules carry all the load of the expedition -literally- they headed towards the trailhead (Punta de Vacas). They have a 3 day trek head. Forecast indicates fine weather! I will pass the news as they call me from the mountain. Regards!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:37:12 -0300http://patagonicas.com/on-the-trail/They hit base (camp)http://patagonicas.com/they-hit-base-camp/
<p>Lead guide Wesley, called today from his sat phone, to deliver the good news that the group arrived perfectly well to base camp Plaza Argentina (13800 ft).</p>
<p>They will enjoy an excellent dinner tonight, made by our chef and base camp manager Susy -a guide and climber herself-. Tomorrow will be a rest day for them. Then begins the process of carrying loads to altitude, which is good to acclimatize and to go light in the final push. I am attaching a picture of Plaza Argentina from a previous expedition. More news as they come!</p>
<p><br />Regards,<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:15:16 -0300http://patagonicas.com/they-hit-base-camp/Approach to Base Camphttp://patagonicas.com/approach-to-base-camp/
<p>Hello to all. Your relatives, friends, etc who are climbing with us are doing well in their 3 day trek to base camp (Plaza Argentina). They will get to Casa de Piedra (stone hut) today, and to BC tomorrow in the afternoon, according to the plan. Weather is fine, and the forecast says the sun will shine for many days in a row.</p>
<p>The group will get to see some awesome sights of Aconcagua's Polish Glacier today (pic). This glacier was first climbed in 1934 by a Polish expedition. It was a milestone of mountaineering in the Andes, and today it's still a demanding route.</p>
<p>The route of our expedition shares base camp with the Polish Route, but then it joins the Normal Route high in the mountain.</p>
<p>More news when they get to BC!<br />Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />Mendoza</p>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:00:53 -0300http://patagonicas.com/approach-to-base-camp/Our second expedition of the season left town todayhttp://patagonicas.com/our-second-expedition-of-the-season-left-town-today/
<p>After a succesful acclimatization to Mendoza's steaks and Malbec wine, our second expedition of the season left town today. The british climber John Bergius&nbsp; and the guides Carlos Liendo (Chile) and Larry Holmgreen (Alaska) headed towards Los Penitentes.</p>
<p>This ski resort functions in summer as starting point for many expeditions. Tomorrow they will hit the trail, as our arrieros (gauchos) load the mules with the group supplies. It will take them 3 days to get to base camp (Plaza Argentina), if all goes according to plans.</p>
<p>They will be calling to Mendoza from a sat phone, so I will post more news as they come.</p>
<p>Regards!</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />AP Mendoza</p>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:34:33 -0300http://patagonicas.com/our-second-expedition-of-the-season-left-town-today/The trip is on its way!http://patagonicas.com/the-trip-is-on-its-way/
<p>The group left the hotel today and headed towards Los Penitentes, a small ski resort 6 km from the trailhead (2700m). Spirits were high. They will start walking tomorrow from Punta de Vacas. Tomorrow, many stoic mules will carry their mountain gear, their asado (barbercue) and even some bottles of Malbec red wine to their fisrt camp, Pampa de Le&ntilde;as. I will keep you posted!</p>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:54:26 -0300http://patagonicas.com/the-trip-is-on-its-way/28 nov dinnerhttp://patagonicas.com/28-nov-dinner/
<p>After long hours on planes, airports and taxis, the 13 climbers and 4 guides of our first Aconcagua expedition of the season got together in Mendoza. We are honored to have them in our city (almost a million habitants, tree.lined streets, sidewalks coffees and vineyards in the country -of course you can also see mountain in the horizon-). <br /><br />We greeted them with big Argentinan steaks and the comfort of the best hotel in town. The guides are very optimistic and said it is a pretty good group so far (well prepared and with team spirits).</p>
<p>Wesley and Calvin are the Lead Guides (both well seasoned Tetons guides both), and Mar&iacute;a Jos&eacute; (Mendoza) and Mariano (Argentinean Patagonia) are the coguides. Both firts class climbers and bright guides. The group will get the Aconcagua permits tomorrow and head towards the Andes, a 3 hour interesting drive.</p>
<p>Nicol&aacute;s Garc&iacute;a<br />Mendoza</p>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:28:45 -0300http://patagonicas.com/28-nov-dinner/First trip of the season is getting ready!http://patagonicas.com/first-trip-of-the-season-is-on-its-way/
<p>The Guides and AP staff are already in Mendoza packing and getting all ready for the first Aconcagua expedition of the season, Our Nov 28th Ameghino Valley and Upper Guanacos Trip, scheduled to depart in a few days. Clients will be arriving soon to Mendoza as well, Our expedition begins and ends in the City of Mendoza, Argentina. The city of Mendoza is a charming town with pleasant wide avenues, boulevards and parks. Our first step will be to check clients gear at the Mendoza Park Hyatt, often done on their room. Gear check is a critical step. It is important to pare down to the essential items you will need to climb to the Top of the Americas. Often at gear check we discover someone has brought gear that is not warm enough. More than one experienced Alaskan has forgotten the essential expedition parka!<br /><br />A group meeting will follow gear check. We will introduce our guides and team members and talk about several aspects of the expedition. We will discuss the philosophy and style of the expedition, the effects of Diamox and prescription medications at altitude, sanitation, water treatment, teamwork, and the art of climbing big mountains. Dinner will take place immediately after the meeting at a fine Mendoza restaurant reached via a pleasant walk from the hotel. We will have a chance to taste gourmet Argentinean cuisine, fresh beef, delicious wines (there are plenty of alternatives for non-drinkers and vegetarians in the group as well).<br /><br />Aventuras Patagonicas's Director Rodrigo Mujica has also been in South America for weeks now planning the last details, and will arrive to Mendoza today.</p>
<p>AP Operation's Manager Nicolas Garcia is also in Mendoza making sure all details are taken care off.<br /><br />We are all VERY excited about this new coming season!</p>
<div class="yui-g">
<div class="yui-u first">
<h4>Our clients for this expedition</h4>
<ul>
<li>Ted Allsopp</li>
<li>Jim Leahy</li>
<li>Andrew Walo</li>
<li>Richard &nbsp;Kisson</li>
<li>Zbigniew Mach</li>
<li>Jim Berryhill</li>
<li>Amy Roberts</li>
<li>Rusty Carter</li>
<li>Jack Crawford</li>
<li>Kathryn Veseth</li>
<li>Christopher Paslawski </li>
<li>Thomas O'Connell</li>
<li>Graham Austin</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="yui-u">
<h4>Our guides for this expedition</h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Wes Bunch </strong>- Lead Guide</li>
<li>Calvin Herbert - Assistant Guide</li>
<li>Maria Jose Moises - Assistant Guide</li>
<li>Mariano Galvan - Assistant Guide</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:00:13 -0300http://patagonicas.com/first-trip-of-the-season-is-on-its-way/